3 Signs You Might Need Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are a type of glasses lenses typically required and used by people over 40 who are experiencing presbyopia (gradual loss or worsening of vision due to age). However they can be worn by users of all ages (including teenagers) to address a variety of eye disease or eye health concerns.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision for both near and far objects, or are finding it difficult to make out text in a book or on a screen, get in touch with our optometrist Singapore clinic today to find out how progressive lenses can help Singaporeans see better and live better.

What are progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses are lenses that can address multiple eye disease prescriptions or conditions within one pair of glasses, as each area of the lens contains a different prescription. For example, you would look through the middle of the lens to see into the middle distance (e.g. using a computer), and look down into the bottom of the lens to see a shorter distance (e.g. reading a book or using your phone).

The term ‘progressive lens’ is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘bifocals’ or ‘reading glasses’, but all 3 serve different purposes: Bifocals are lenses that have different areas for nearsightedness or farsightedness, whereas progressive lenses have just one area that can address multiple prescriptions at once. Meanwhile reading lenses are used exclusively for nearsightedness, whereas progressive lenses can be useful for individuals with near and/or farsightedness.

Here are 3 signs you might need progressive lenses:

1. You have multiple eye disease prescriptions

As we get older and our vision is affected by our environment and lifestyle, many of us may require multiple prescriptions in one or both eyes. This could mean a combination of farsightedness, nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism, or other eye conditions. As our prescriptions get more complicated, a pair of progressive lenses can be a convenient alternative to juggling multiple pairs of glasses or other vision aids.

2. You are over 40

Not everyone over 40 will experience presbyopia, but your chances of getting this disease do go up as you age. You might start to notice mild symptoms such as blurry vision or needing to squint to see clearly, and these symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible to help manage and prevent any eye disease from worsening. Progressive lenses can help with this, especially during a transition period when you are still adjusting to your changing vision.

3. Your optometrist recommends them during or after an eye examination

Regular eye examinations in Singapore are crucial to keeping track of your eye health and vision. Vision changes can be so gradual that you don’t even fully realise they’re happening - however our optometrists are trained to detect these changes and recommend treatment options to help with managing eye disease. Progressive lenses might be one option recommended to you.

Tips for wearing progressive lenses

Once you have gotten progressive lenses, you might experience an adjustment period of discomfort or disorientation. Here are some tips to help you get used to this change:

• Know that the adjustment period will occur even for individuals who were already wearing glasses beforehand, and it is normal to feel some discomfort
• Practice seeing through the different areas of the lens to get used to everyday wear
• Opt for additional coatings such as anti-fog, anti-glare, and anti-blue light to suit your lifestyle best

Progressive lenses are usually associated with aging in Singapore, but they can be a universal solution for anyone and are useful in helping you regain a good quality of life. If you are experiencing unexpected changes in your vision or eyesight, EMME Visioncare’s optometrists and opticians can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose any issues, and recommend a best course of treatment. Get in touch for more information on our services.