Introductory Progressive Lenses – the “training wheels” of Progressive (No-line bifocal) Lenses

It’s common for new presbyopic patients (those with “old eyes”) to put off getting progressive lenses, and just “make do” with over-the-counter readers.  But they are missing out on the opportunity to adjust to the world of progressive lenses.  They may think that slightly blurry near vision isn’t very troublesome yet, but once they require a stronger reading add power, it may be more difficult for them to adjust to progressives.  This is because progressive lenses are much different than the single vision lenses they were used to.  To ease these presbyopic patients into the world of progressive lenses, there now exist introductory progressive lenses that take into account the adaptation struggles new presbyopes face.  Essilor and Shamir (FirstPAL) are two of the lens companies that offer them.  These lenses do not have the visual constraints of more advanced progressive lens designs.  They have wider reading and intermediate zones (ex. for those working on computers) and also allow the full add (reading prescription) to be obtained quickly (so patients won’t have to lower their heads as much to see).

Furthermore, there is inevitably the sticker shock when we tell patients the difference between the cost of a single vision lens they have been wearing and a pair of progressive lenses.  Well, the introductory progressive lenses are also priced more economically to ease the transition.

Fatigue Relief Lens

Most of our patients don’t tell us they feel tired after a long day at the office.  That’s because we’re their optometrists!  What they don’t realize is that they feel tired because of their eyes.  We can help patients feel energized at the end of their work day.  Fatigue relief or anti-fatigue lenses ease the strain normally associated with prolonged accommodation.  For those who spend their work day reading or using a computer (the majority these days), the muscles in their eyes are constantly working to focus on these near and mid-range objects, ultimately resulting in visual fatigue.  These lenses have extra ADD power in the lower part of the lens so the eye muscles don’t have to work as hard at accommodating.    Nikon has it’s Relaxsee HD, Shamir the Relax, Rodenstock the MyView Aveo, and Hoya the Active5/Active8.

So don’t miss out on this opportunity.  Have your eyes examined, not only for an accurate prescription check but to ensure they are working well together (binocular vision assessment) and that they are healthy (from the cornea at the front to the retina and optic nerve at the back).  See us at Dr. Mei-Ling Chan Optometry in Barrie and ask us about these innovative lenses.

A Happy New Year to all.