Progressive Lenses (Types, Pros, Cons & Costs)

If you have a refractive error that causes blurry vision at near and far distances, your eye doctor may recommend progressive glasses for clear vision. But did you know there are many types of progressive lenses?

This article covers the different types of progressive lenses, including how they work compared to other lenses, and tips for choosing the best type for you.

What are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that correct near, far, and middle vision. There’s a seamless transition in magnification from top to bottom.

A progressive lens has three sections. Unlike bifocal and trifocal glasses, progressive lenses differ in that no visible line separates the sections. The prescription changes across the lens, so you can see at all distances clearly with a single pair of glasses.⁷

How Progressive Lenses Work

Progressive lenses change slightly in prescription throughout the lens. This makes for a smooth, gradual shift instead of a harsh difference in section.

With progressive lenses, you look through the top section of the lens to see things that are far away. The middle section of the lenses clarifies objects in the middle ground. The bottom section helps you see objects that are close up.

What Are the Different Types of Progressive Lenses?

Many different types of progressive lenses cater to various needs. These include:

Standard Progressive Lenses

These are also known as regular progressive lenses because they work for most people. Standard progressive lenses are the most basic option and tend to cost less than specialized progressives.

One downside of standard progressive lenses is that they require larger frames for a smooth transition between prescription strengths. However, the size provides a relatively wide reading area.

Computer Progressive Lenses

Computer progressive lenses are also called near-variable focus lenses or office lenses. They’re designed to reduce visual fatigue (computer vision syndrome) for people who use a computer for more than four hours daily.

However, computer progressive lenses aren’t only for office workers. They can help anyone who needs clear vision from 16 inches to 6 feet. These include dentists, artists, and hairdressers.

Short Corridor Progressive Lenses

Short corridor progressive lenses are ideal for people who prefer smaller frames. However, the improvement in fashion often requires some sacrifice in practicality.

One downside of short corridor progressive lenses is that the smaller frame reduces the reading area. Some people find it difficult to adjust to this lens design. Additionally, they cost more than standard progressive lenses.

Transition Progressive Lenses

You may already be familiar with transition lenses on single-vision glasses. They’re a brand of photochromatic lenses that automatically darken when exposed to ultraviolet light. Now, they’re available on progressive glasses as well.

Transition lenses allow you to wear one pair of glasses indoors and outside. There’s no need to swap between eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses.

Premium Progressive Lenses

Premium progressive lenses are highly customized to your individual needs, including:

Prescription
Chosen frames
Eye anatomy
Your dominant eye

Premium progressive lenses are designed with computerized wavefront technology. They typically provide better vision than other options due to the vast, distortion-free reading area. However, they cost significantly more than other progressive lenses.

Ground-View Progressive Lenses

These progressive lenses are great for golfers and anyone who needs to see clearly when looking down. Ground-view progressive lenses provide better vision along the bottom and sides of the lens.

They use patented technology to reduce lens distortions, giving you a ground view that closely mimics natural vision.

Who Should Use Progressive Lenses?

The best way to determine if progressive lenses are right for you is to schedule an eye exam with your doctor. They may recommend progressive lenses if you have near and distant vision trouble.

You might need progressive lenses for a variety of reasons. Some of these include:

As you get older, your eyes change, and your reading vision declines (presbyopia)
You spend a lot of time reading small fonts or staring at a computer screen, which can take a toll on your natural vision
You have trouble reading fine print, big street signs, or other things

If you have astigmatism, progressive lenses may be for you. People who have astigmatism may have both nearsightedness and farsightedness.¹

Pros and Cons of Progressive Lenses

Like all types of lenses, there are pros and cons of progressive lenses:

Pros

Here are a few benefits of progressive lenses:⁷

Improve vision at all distances in a single lens
Have various lens powers (multifocal lenses)
Offer a seamless transition without a noticeable line
You don’t need to purchase multiple pairs of glasses for different vision issues
Help you save money since you only need one pair
Help you see clearly

Cons

Here are a few downsides of progressive lenses:⁷

Require you to look at a specific part of the lens to see clearly at different distances
Can be expensive (since they correct multiple types of vision problems)
Can take time to get used to
Any type of glasses can cause some peripheral distortion

Tips for Adjusting to Progressive Lenses

Getting used to wearing progressive lenses may take some time, like all corrective lenses. This is especially true if you are not used to wearing glasses.

It can take weeks or even months to get used to wearing progressive reading glasses. Here are some tips for adjusting to progressive lenses:

Wear your eyeglasses often
Pick glasses that you like wearing and feel confident in
Get a pair of glasses that fit properly
Have your lenses professionally fitted
Take breaks from wearing your progressive lenses if you develop headaches, eye strain, or eye fatigue

If your eyes never adjust to your new glasses or are causing you more harm than good, consult your doctor. Progressive eyewear is not for everyone. There may be another option that is better for you.

How Much Do Progressive Lenses Cost?

Glasses themselves can be costly. Prices range from about $8 to upwards of $600 for people who don’t have vision insurance.³

Your vision insurance may or may not cover the cost of prescription glasses. Some insurance plans may pay up to a certain amount.

How much your glasses cost you depends on a few factors:

Where you buy them (your geographic location)
From whom you buy them (an eye doctor, an eyewear store, online, etc.)
The brand of glasses you buy
The materials you choose
The lens type you choose (progressive lenses tend to be more expensive)
Any add-ons that you decide to purchase

For example, a progressive lens starts at $295 at Warby Parker. Premium progressive lenses may cost more.⁶

Summary

Progressive lenses create clear vision at all distances. Unlike traditional bifocals and trifocals, a progressive lens has no visible lines, making for a smooth transition.

There are many different types of progressive lenses, including standard progressive lenses, premium progressive lenses, and computer progressive lenses.

Wearing progressive lenses may come with a learning curve. They can also cost significantly more than regular glasses. These lenses are not for everyone (other options like single-vision lenses and bifocals are also available).

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