As the eye ages, the crystalline lens (a flexible lens inside the eye which enables you to focus on close objects) begins to stiffen- this results in a condition called presbyopia. The effects of presbyopia are usually noticed around the age of forty- when objects within arms length become blurry. The traditional approach to correcting this problem has been lined bifocals.

A lined bifocal creates a "window" of clear near vision at the bottom of the lens. The top of this window is marked by a ledge. Unfortunately, the sudden change in power between the top and bottom of the lens produces "image jump" and looks rather unattractive.

Throughout the past two decades, a new approach to correcting presbyopia has become increasingly popular- Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs). Progressives, or "no-line bifocals," gradually progress from the distance vision prescription to the full near vision prescription. The advantages of PALs include better intermediate distance (e.g. your car's speedometer, countertops) vision and the elimination of the ledge associated with lined bifocals.

Although occuptions which require a very wide area of near vision (e.g., architects, accountants) usually require lined bifocals, over 95% of patients trying PALs find they adapt quite well to them. If a patient does not adapt to the PAL design, the manufacturer of the lens will provide a lined bifocal at no additional cost.

In recent years, a specialty Progressive has emerged- Computer Lenses. Progressives designed to be worn specifically for computer use provide a very large area of intermediate vision in the center of the lens (for viewing the monitor), with the bottom portion of the lens dedicated to near vision (the keyboard, reading material). Millions of Americans suffer from the effects of "Computer Vision Syndrome," which occurs when the head is constantly raised in an effort to view the terminal through the bottom of conventionally designed multifocals. Computer lenses solve the eye fatigue and neck pain associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. For more information on CVS, follow the link on the left side of the screen labelled "Computer Vision Syndrome."

Progressives cost anywhere from $159 to over $200, depending on the lens design. There are dozens of Progressive designs available, which are catered to the individual vision demands of various professions, hobbies, and lifestyles. Progressive lenses always include scratch coating, and many also include a UV coating as well. The most important factor in a successful Progressive adaptation is the precision with which the lenses are fit. Our optical staff has a tremendous amount of experience with the fitting characteristics of the many PAL designs available.