For years, buying progressive glasses has been a process most people handled in-store, relying on opticians to guide them through fittings and lens choices. While this traditional route is still common, the way we shop for eyewear has evolved. Today, retailers like Vint & York are redefining the experience by making it easy—and accurate—to purchase progressive glasses online. Through virtual try-on tools, precise measurement guides, and seamless customer support, they’ve created a modern alternative that delivers the same level of quality and confidence you’d expect in person, but with the added convenience of shopping from home.
Article: What are Progressive Lenses? Full Guide to Types, Price, and Use Cases
What are Progressive Lenses? Full Guide to Types, Price, and Use Cases
Looking to find out what progressive lenses are and how can you use them for crystal clear vision? In this guide, we’ll answer many questions you have on the topic.
You will learn how these ingenious pieces of engineering work, who needs them, when to wear them, and a few of the biggest progressive lens pros and cons to consider. So, whether you’re hearing about progressive lenses for the first time or are an experienced user with some specific questions, this guide has you covered!
What are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive addition lenses (PALs) are a type of multifocal correction used to correct distance, intermediate (computer usage), and near (reading usage) within the same lens. Progressives are sometimes referred to as varifocals in Europe.
As shown in the picture, the distance prescription is at the top and the power gradually changes to your reading prescription as you move farther down the lens.
A progressive lens is an amazing piece of engineering, allowing multiple vision corrections to be incorporated into a single lens without any clear distinction or lines between the different corrections. The power in the lenses “progressively” changes from far to intermediate to near.
Progressives make the transition between prescriptions much smoother, eliminating that obvious line between prescriptions in conventional bifocals and trifocals. This technology gives you a more natural vision.
What Do Progressive Lenses Look Like?
To the naked eye, progressive lenses look like most other lenses. A trained eye care professional will be able to identify them.
Most progressive lenses will have laser etchings in the lens that are virtually invisible to the wearer and can only be seen using a special “identifier.” These laser etchings will give information about the specifications of the lens.
Shop progressive glasses starting at $225, in every shape & style.
How Do Progressive Lenses Work?
Progressive lenses let multiple visual distances be corrected in a single lens, and “progressively” adjust for distance, intermediate, and reading/near vision. Even if you wear over-the-counter readers, progressive lenses can be made for you.
You can also think about it this way: It's like having three sets of lenses in one, all without ever having to change your eyeglasses.
Distance vision: This is used through the upper part of the lens. This part of the lens is used when looking straight ahead for activities like driving and watching faraway objects.
Intermediate vision: This can be seen through the middle of the lens. This part of the lens is used when looking at something an arm's length away, such as computer work.
Near vision: This is through the lower part of the lens. Use this for close-up activities such as reading.
Progressive Lenses vs. Other Types of Lenses
Trifocals are similar in design to bifocals except that they have 3 areas of focus (distance, intermediate, and near) instead of 2 areas (distance and near) in bifocals. Trifocals and bifocals have similar disadvantages and are not prescribed as often as progressives.
There is also a lens known as a blended bifocal. Blended bifocals are similar to conventional bifocals except the line between the distance and reading portion of the lens is “blended out” so the line isn’t noticeable. They correct distance and near, but not intermediate.
Progressive Lenses vs Bifocals
Alas, the inevitable progressive lenses vs bifocal debate. Fortunately, it can be broken down in a simple way.
How Do Progressive Lenses Differ From Ordinary Bifocals?
Bifocal lenses provide a distinct distance and near viewing area, but no intermediate area (3-1 0 feet away). These viewing areas are separated by a noticeable line that can be awkward, abrupt, and frustrating to the wearer. Progressive lenses have no lines and no image jump . This allows for a continuous field of vision. Conventional bifocals tend to be more of an alternate or second-best option. With the rise in computer usage, most people need intermediate correction as well as distance and reading.
Should I Buy Progressive Lenses?
If you are still wondering if progressive lenses are the better option for you, you'll want to check out these advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision.
Progressive Lens Advantages (Pros)
One of the major advantages is that the design of progressive lenses blends the prescription . There is no image jump or visible line on the lens. This enhances your comfort with your lenses and can be safer when performing tasks such as driving.
Convenience is another big advantage. With progressive lenses, you don't have to take them off when switching between visual tasks such as working on a computer and driving.
PALs incorporate an intermediate correction that conventional bifocals don't have. Progressive lenses correct distance, intermediate, and reading vision within one lens. It's like killing three birds with one stone.
What Can Progressive Lenses Help With?
You don't have to take an eye exam or be diagnosed with a condition by an eye doctor to take advantage of the technology in progressive lenses. If your vision is blurry when focusing on different distances, PALs could be what you need.
It comes down to whether you need sight correction for distance, intermediate or near, and what you do. Let's see:
Sunglasses Block UV Rays
When the sun is up, you definitely need a good pair of progressive sunglasses to block UV rays and also take care of your vision.
For Presbyopia
Progressive lenses are most often prescribed for people with presbyopia. Presbyopia usually occurs at around age 40, when people start to lose the ability to focus on close-up objects. It is most noticeable when reading, sewing or working at the computer. You can’t escape presbyopia, even if you’ve never had a vision problem before.
Even people who are nearsighted will notice that their near vision blurs when they wear their usual eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct distance vision. This is why progressive lenses are ideal for patients with presbyopia .
For Myopia Progression
Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a condition where distance vision is blurry. As this study reveals, progressive lenses are also used to reduce the progression of myopia, especially in children.
Progressive Lens Disadvantages (Cons)
Peripheral Distortion
There are occasional problems with progressive lenses when walking up and downstairs. However, problems often disappear in about a week or two, so give it time when you're adjusting to a new pair. This is peripheral distortion. Since the reading correction is at the bottom, the stairs may appear closer than they actually are.
Possible Correction Needed for Optical Center
All measurements must be exact when creating a pair of progressive addition glasses. The optical center of the lenses must be placed exactly in front of your pupils in order for the lenses to work correctly. Problems with adaptation are often because the lenses aren't centered correctly in the frame.
Since the same eyeglass frames may sit higher on your face, and lower on someone else's, individual specifications and measurements ensure your optimal comfort and optical experience.
Some people may feel like they just don't like progressive lenses and that they're too hard to get used to. Progressive lenses aren't for everyone. A small percentage of people are unable to adapt to them, and in these cases, bifocals might be a better alternative.
Your Lense May Not Fit All Frames
Unfortunately, not all frames fit progressive lenses. If the frame is too small, areas of the progressive lens may be removed when your lenses are inserted in the frame. Check with your optician and choose from metal, classic, geek-chic, or colorful frames that meet your needs.
At Vint & York, we carry some of the best frames for progressive lenses that allow you to get all the amazing benefits of this technology, without compromising style or your personality.
At Vint & York, you will surely find something exciting to wear. You may also want to consider getting sunglasses with progressive lenses to further assure your comfort, style, and vision while out and about.
Should I Buy Progressive Classes Online or In-Store?
Buying Progressive Glasses Online
Since progressive lenses rely on precise measurements for the best results, some online retailers will not provide them. Vint & York is one of few retailers that provide progressive lenses online.
For fitting, details are based on your face shape, size, pupillary distance (distance between your eyes), frame design, and the interaction between them. So, without taking measurements when wearing the frames, your entire vision could be off.
If you and your eye care professional feel comfortable with it, you can be successful ordering them online with retailers such as Vint & York.
If you have questions about whether or not a specific frame style can be fitted with progressive lenses, please reach out to us. Our opticians are always available for personalized consultation over the phone – call us at (800) 846-9915 and we’ll be happy to help!
Keep in mind that everyone’s eyes are different. What might work for a friend or relative, might not be the best solution for you. Let your optician or optometrist know how frequently you will be using your glasses, the activity you perform most when wearing your glasses, and voice any concerns.
The days of having to switch eyeglasses for different purposes are gone. The amazing technology of progressive lenses has changed the game and you can now choose from a wide collection of stylish frames to match your progressives!
Buying Progressive Glasses In-Store
Types of Progressive Lenses
Digital Progressive Lenses
Today, the world is digital and now your glasses can be too. Digital progressive lenses have a wider area for distortion-free reading and sharp distance vision. This ensures the most precise prescription based on the shape of your face, how you prefer to wear your frame, and the position of your eyes. These lenses can be customized for your one-of-a-kind eyes!
How Digital Progressive Lenses Work
Digitally finished lenses are computer engineered for optimum clarity and accuracy . This gives them the ability to customize regions of the lens to suit an individual. A digital surfacing lens ensures the most precise prescription based on the shape of your face, how you prefer to wear your frame, and the position of your eyes.
Digital progressive lenses have a wider area for distortion-free reading and sharp distance vision. An additional benefit of getting the digital progressive lenses is gaining a high clarity vision in the intermediate distance area (between reading and distance). This increased vision is very useful for computer use and other everyday activities.
In addition, the wider and more accurate channels and corridors mean that you'll have better peripheral vision.
Our progressive lenses are developed with Digital Freeform technology – the most advanced on the market – and our laboratory is equipped to handle all types of prescriptions and produce the most accurate true digital free-form progressive lenses. Our progressive lenses go through a rigorous quality control process and are stamped with the “V&Y” watermark upon passing the test.
Progressive Reading Lenses
Progressive reading lenses have no prescription in the top part of the lens but have the reading prescription at the bottom. This allows you to wear glasses full-time without having to take them on and off.
Progressive Lens Sunglasses
Progressive sunglasses are just like your regular, fashionable sunglasses, but with your prescription in the lenses. Enjoy sharp vision at every distance during outdoor activities whether you’re hiking, going on a road trip, or reading on the beach. When the sun is up, you need a quality pair of progressive sunglasses to block UV rays and correct your vision. We provide excellent sunglasses for women and men to fit each individual style.
Photochromic Progressive Lenses
Photochromic (or transition) lenses are clear inside and darken when exposed to UV light outside. They are available in almost all lens types and prescriptions as well as several color options.
Computer Progressive Lenses
If you have a desk job that involves a lot of computer work, you might benefit from computer glasses that have a progressive lens. The top part of the lens has the intermediate prescription so when you look straight ahead at your computer, the screen is clear with a wide field of vision. Try our computer glasses for a more relaxed, comfortable computer viewing experience.
** This is a custom purchase and can be more expensive. Add it manually to your order or add it over the phone.
Why Wear Computer Progressive Lenses?
If you have a desk job that involves a lot of computer work, your doctor may recommend computer progressive lenses. The top part of the lens has the intermediate prescription so when you look straight ahead at your computer, the screen is clear with a wide field of vision. As you look down into the lens, you approach your reading prescription. These lenses will improve your vision when you’re focusing on the intermediate zone, providing more comfort at the computer.
Progressive High Index Lenses
High-index progressive lenses are advanced multifocal lenses that correct distance, intermediate, and near vision in a single, seamless lens, but are made from a thinner, lighter high-index material that bends light more efficiently than standard lenses. This makes them especially beneficial for people with stronger prescriptions, as they reduce lens thickness, minimize distortion, and offer a more flattering, lightweight fit. Combined with the smooth vision transition of progressives, high-index material enhances comfort, appearance, and optical clarity without the bulky look of traditional lenses.
We can fit all types of prescriptions and offer the following progressive lenses:
Want to Buy Progressive Lenses?
Progressive lenses cost more because they combine three lenses in one. Price depends on lens type, prescription, and frame brand - ranging from $200-$400. Digital PALS are pricier but offer a customized visual experience. One pair can replace multiple glasses, potentially saving money. See the chart below for price comparisons.
See more on progressive lens pricing .
There's no better time to stop by Vint & York and shop our incredible selection of progressive lenses or prescription glasses. We offer progressive lenses and prescription sun lenses.
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