Progressive Glasses
Progressive glasses have lenses that give sharp vision at every distance in one pair: far at the top, intermediate in the middle and near at the bottom. Here we explain how they work, who needs them and how long it takes to adjust. We do not offer progressive lenses at the moment, but we also show the alternatives you have with us.
What are progressive glasses?
Progressive glasses have lenses where the power changes gradually from the top to the bottom of the lens. The top is for distance, the middle for intermediate distances like a computer screen, and the bottom for reading. Unlike bifocals, there is no visible line. They are usually worn by people from around 40 to 45, when presbyopia makes it harder to see up close. See the alternatives
How do progressive lenses work?
A progressive lens has three zones that blend smoothly into each other. You look straight ahead through the top to see far, lower your gaze slightly for intermediate distances and look down through the bottom to read.
Since the power changes gradually, there are no jumps in the image, and from the outside the lens looks like a regular glasses lens. Out towards the edges of the lens there are zones where the image can be slightly blurry, and that is part of the design.
Who needs progressive glasses?
Progressive glasses are for you if you need help seeing both far and near. It becomes common from around 40 to 45, when the lens in the eye gets stiffer and finds it harder to focus up close. This is called presbyopia.
If you already wear distance glasses and start holding your phone further away to read, or take off your glasses to see up close, progressive glasses may be an option.
On your glasses prescription it shows as an ADD value, which is the extra power you need for near vision. An eye exam at an optician will show whether progressive glasses suit you.
How long does it take to get used to progressive glasses?
Most people adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks. At first it can feel unfamiliar to find the right zone, and the edges can feel slightly blurry or wobbly when you move your head.
It helps to wear the glasses all day from the start, so your brain adjusts faster.
What is the difference between progressive, bifocal and single vision lenses?
There are several lens types for different distances. The table shows the most common ones.
| Lens type | Made for | Suits you if you |
|---|---|---|
| Single vision lenses | One distance, far or near | Need help at one distance |
| Computer lenses | The intermediate distance to a screen | Work a lot at a computer |
| Reading glasses | Near | Only need help when reading |
| Bifocal lenses | Far and near, with a visible line | Want two zones with a clear border |
| Progressive lenses | Every distance, without a line | Need help both far and near in one pair |
Progressive glasses or two pairs of glasses?
Progressive glasses are convenient, but they do not suit everyone. Many choose two pairs instead, one for distance and one for reading or the computer. The table shows the difference.
Does Corlin offer progressive glasses?
No, not at the moment. Progressive lenses need extra measurements of where your pupils sit in the frame, and that is best done at an optician. So instead we offer single vision lenses and computer lenses, which you can order online in every one of our optical frames.
If you need help at several distances, you can combine our glasses, or have an optician fit progressive lenses in one of our frames.
Ask your optician
If you want an optician to fit progressive lenses in our frame, ask first whether the frame is suitable. Progressive lenses need a certain lens height, and the optician can judge that from the frame’s measurements.
Glasses frames from Corlin
A selection of our optical frames. All of them can be ordered with Standard or Terminal lenses, or without prescription lenses.
Optical frames
All optical frames
Questions about progressive glasses
What is the difference between progressive and bifocal lenses?
Both help you see far and near. Bifocal lenses have two zones with a visible line, while progressive lenses blend smoothly from far to near without a line and also have a zone for intermediate distance.
At what age do you need progressive glasses?
The need usually comes from around 40 to 45, when presbyopia makes it harder to see up close. It varies from person to person.
Can you drive with progressive glasses?
Yes. The top of the lens is for distance, so you look straight ahead through it when you drive. Many find it works well once they have adjusted.
Can you use progressive glasses at the computer?
Yes, but the zone for intermediate distance is often narrow, so many tilt their head to find focus. If you work a lot at a computer, computer glasses can give a wider field at the screen.
Why are progressive lenses blurry at the edges?
It is part of how the lens is designed. When the power changes gradually, zones form at the edges where the image is slightly blurry. Most people stop noticing it once they have adjusted.
Can I order progressive glasses from Corlin?
Not at the moment. We offer single vision and computer lenses in every one of our optical frames. If you want progressive lenses, you can order the frame without prescription lenses and have an optician fit them.
Can an optician fit progressive lenses in a Corlin frame?
Yes, usually. Order the frame without prescription lenses and take it to your optician. Ask first whether the frame is suitable, since progressive lenses need a certain lens height.
What can I use instead of progressive glasses?
A common alternative is two pairs: one for distance and one for reading or the computer. With us, you can order Standard lenses for distance and Terminal lenses for the screen, both from 895 SEK.