Near and far lenses in one pair of glasses
Many people rightly find it tiresome to have to wear different glasses in different situations, even changing them in seconds. Just think of a simple shopping trip! It can be not only inconvenient, but also downright annoying to need several pairs of glasses to see everything clearly, and not know where to put them, how to hold the other one, etc. For vision problems that start after 40, progressive lenses are not only the most modern solution, but also the most convenient.
What is a progressive multifocal lens good for?
Progressive lenses are not only the most advanced, they are also the most complex. Perhaps the easiest way to think of them is as if they were made up of two – or more – lenses of different dioptres, which are completely invisible. With two – or more – dioptric lenses, you can see near and far, as well as the distances in between, sharply with a single pair of glasses.
Multifocal lens
For distance vision, the correct diopter is formed on the upper part of the lens, and for reading on the lower part. Between the two dioptres, the dioptre value changes gradually, i.e. progressively. This is also known as a multifocal lens. There are also lenses for general use that are specifically adapted for everyday activities. Thanks to the latest developments, we can see perfectly and sharply at all distances, and our glasses are designed to be completely personalised from the very first moment to the last, taking into account the specific needs of the wearer and, of course, their lifestyle.
How is a bifocal lens different?
Bifocal, also known as bifocal, glasses have a small window cut into them to allow close-up vision. However, it has the disadvantage of a sharp dividing line between near and far dioptres, as it has only two focal points. This makes the area in between blurry and sudden image jump can be distracting. In the case of someone working on a computer, for example, what is considered an intermediate distance is not even usable, as the transition diopter is missing. It is also not aesthetically pleasing, as its design is easily recognisable and can age the wearer.
Progressive lenses are the most comfortable solution
The multifocal lens has an uncountable number of focal points, so you can see sharply at any distance. So you’ll have perfect, unobstructed vision at close, far and intermediate distances.
It can also have a positive effect on everyday activities such as driving, where a wider field of vision makes it easier and safer. We can see clearly both beyond the windscreen and onto the dashboard. We can also forget about constantly changing glasses, as well as jumping around. The progressive lens provides both stability and comfort. And it’s aesthetically pleasing too, because unlike a bifocal lens, it looks just like a conventional pair of glasses. It also keeps you looking young. Another advantage is that they are very durable and can be worn all day, whatever the situation.
How long does it take to get used to multifocal lenses?
To enjoy all the benefits of progressive lenses, you must first get used to wearing them. This means learning how to move your head and eyes. But what’s a short period of unfamiliarity compared to the benefits of wearing these glasses? The benefits of progressive lenses are simply priceless over time.
YOU CAN GET USED TO PROGRESSIVE LENSES IN A DAY OR TWO, BUT IT CAN TAKE UP TO SEVERAL WEEKS.
Few people know that multifocal lenses can make the last vertebrae in the neck and head move in ways that can greatly reduce spinal calcification. This is why doctors abroad recommend that patients wear them specifically for this purpose.
Choosing your first multifocal (progressive) eyeglass lens
To get the best possible results, it is essential to have a professional eye examination before your first multifocal spectacles are fitted. The most important criterion for a good pair of spectacles is a correctly determined refractive error, i.e. the dioptre you need for sharp vision. During the eye test, the current parameters of your vision are determined.
Then you can choose the right multifocal lenses for you, and there is a wide range of choice available today. There are general purpose and special purpose types. The latter include, for example, driving, computer work or sports. These of course differ not only in design, but also in price, so it is clear that there are many factors to consider when choosing the right multifocal lenses. The most important of these is the situation in which you will be using your new glasses, and for what tasks.
ZEISS SmartLife lens family for online and on-the-go lifestyles
How to choose a frame for multifocal lenses?
Once the right lens has been selected, it’s time to choose the frame. As we are talking about a specific type of lens, it is important to remember a few things:
What comes next?
Once you have chosen the right multifocal lens and frame, all that remains is to fit the lenses: first, the optician will fit the frame to you, taking into account your head shape and physiology. We then have to look into the distance, which is the optician’s way of marking the position of our pupil, since it is in this area of the lens that the distance dioptre will be placed.
Then, using a pre-designed template, the so-called reading zone is drawn on the lens, where the near diopter will be placed. A reading test is also required to check the correctness of the marking. This involves reading from a book in a comfortable sitting position while wearing the frame.
Finally, there is the so-called mirror check, which is a final check on the correctness of the plotted viewing directions. The accuracy of the markings made on the lens will determine whether the multifocal lens is truly and perfectly tailored to help us in our daily lives, so this is a very important process.
We then came to the final stage of making the glasses, when the lenses are sanded into the frame. Precise polishing is essential to ensure that we can then enjoy the full benefits and comfort of our new multifocal spectacles.
Our range of multifocal lenses
Rapidus offers a wide range of multifocal lenses from renowned brands such as Carl ZEISS, Seiko, Rodenstock, Exelens and Interoptik.