Progressive lenses can achieve clear vision—but do you really know what progressive lenses are? This article will focus on explaining their meaning, advantages, and disadvantages.
What Are Progressive Lenses (PALs)?
Progressive lenses are a type of optical eyeglass lens used to simultaneously correct vision for distance, intermediate (computer use), and near (reading use). They are also known as Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs) because the distance prescription is located at the top and gradually increases in power as you move downward through the lens.
You should think of progressive lenses as line-free bifocal lenses. The progressive design makes the transition between viewing zones much smoother, eliminating the visible lines that separate distinctly different prescriptions on the lens. This technology helps you see better in more situations.
The price of each progressive lens varies significantly. PALs tend to be more expensive than others because you are essentially combining three lenses into one. The cost depends on several factors, many of which are well covered in this guide. One of the most important factors is the type of progressive lens you choose. The lens material affects the lens cost—the material used for PALs will also determine the price. Standard plastic lenses are thicker, heavier, have lower scratch resistance, and are not as shatter-resistant as other lenses. They tend to be the cheapest because the quality is not as good.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Progressive Lenses:
Digital PALs are more expensive but more personalized and specific to your measurements, which is key to providing the best visual experience. Traditional surfaced and occupational lenses tend to be cheaper than digital lenses but more expensive than “basic” PALs that have narrower corridors toward the bottom.
Progressive lenses are an amazing invention that allows multiple fields of vision to be merged into a single lens without any visible demarcation on the lens itself. The power in the lens “progressively” changes from distance to intermediate to your full reading power. This is why progressive lenses are commonly referred to as “line-free” bifocals or trifocals.
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