3-year-old kid or 70 years old person, vision problem is one deficiency that can arise at any age. Reading and digital eyestrain are some of the common causes of poor vision. There are different types of lenses for different vision problems. To correct near-sightedness as well as far-sightedness, bifocal lenses are used.
There is no need to buy two separate glasses, bifocal allows to see near and far objects clearly. However the traditional bifocal and trifocal lenses are now available in a renewed option which is known as progressive lenses. Progressive lenses offer clear vision across all distances (far, intermediate, near). Well if a time in your life arrives where you happen to choose between bifocal lenses and progressive lenses, you might get jumbled. So you need to have a clear picture of both types of lenses.
Old-fashioned or modern style, we’ll help you to sort out your confusion:
What are Bifocal Lenses?
For people suffering from farsightedness and nearsightedness, bifocal lenses are designed with two lens powers to help you see objects at all distances clearly. With distance vision lenses at the top and close-up vision lenses at the bottom of the lens, these lenses have a visible line that may be distracting for viewers.
Types of bifocal lenses:
Flat-Top Bifocal Lenses: Known as D-seg or straight-top glasses, these lenses contain portions within them that enable users to view close-up or distant objects (formed like the letter D flipped sideways).
Round Segment Bifocal Lenses: These lenses have a half-circle-shaped segment that helps you to view objects up close and the major portion for distant vision.
Ribbon segment bifocal: Bifocal lenses with a tiny rectangular area are the ideal choice when you’re performing activities that require close-up seeing, like reading a book or looking at your phone.
Bifocal Lenses Executive: Often referred to as the Franklin lens. These lenses split roughly into 2 equal halves to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness into a single lens.
All about bifocals:
- A bifocal lens is designed to correct near as well as far vision. The top portion of the lenses is used to see distant objects clearly while the bottom portion is used to see nearer objects with clarity
- The reading portion (i.e. the lower part to view nearer objects) of the lenses appears like a ‘D’ shape. It is 28 millimetres wide
- The lens is divided with a visible horizontal line. Due to the defined boundary between the two parts of lenses, images appear to jump, the transition is not smooth
- However the lenses are noticeably divided into two portions, it is easy for people to adjust and get used to these types of lenses
- If you are looking for a wide range of lens options for reading or digital work then you can opt for bifocals.
What are progressive lenses?
A revolutionary upgrade, progressive lenses are no-line bifocals or multifocal lenses that provide a smooth and seamless progression through many lens power for near, distant and object in between, into a single lens.
Types of progressive lenses:
Standard progressive: These are among the most affordable progressive lenses available, and they have a wide field of vision.
Short-Corridor Progressive: Ideal for small frames, these lenses don’t have a large reading area.
Computer Progressive: For individuals who spend a lot of time in front of the computer, this is an excellent alternative. Note that If you choose these progressive lenses, you’ll need another pair of glasses for everyday use.
Premium Progressive: These progressive lenses are custom-made to match your frames, prescription, and eye needs. premium lenses are much easier to adjust than other types of progressives.
Ground-View Progressive: These are an excellent choice for those who spend a lot of time looking at computers or on the ground. They are also appropriate for athletes.
All about progressive lenses:
- A progressive lens is the upgraded version of bifocal and trifocal lenses. It helps to see across all distances clearly without any hurdle
- Since it also allows to correct intermediate vision, it’s best for computer viewing
- Progressive lenses are also known as no-line bifocals as it comes with a seamless appearance. You can flawlessly view across without any disturbance of line
- Apart from the cosmetic benefit, experts suggest that progressive lenses offer more natural correction of visual disorder
- Since there is no division visible wearers may take some time to get adapted to these lenses. However, you can view it comfortably after getting used to it.
- No boundary eliminates the problem of vision jump
- Since it’s the upgraded version of bifocal lenses, it is expensive than bifocal lenses
- As compared to bifocal lenses, progressive lenses do not offer wide enough reading space
Comparison chart: Bifocal vs Progressive lenses
| BIFOCAL LENSES | PROGRESSIVE LENSES | |
| FOCAL POINT | 2 separate focal points (upper part to view distant object and the lower part for a nearby object) | 3 focal points (for distance, intermediate, and close up vision clarity) |
| AESTHETIC LOOK | It may look unpleasing with a visible line on the lens | Different power on the lenses progress smoothly without a visible line |
| COST | Affordable choice | More expensive than single-vision lenses and bifocal lenses. |
| ADJUSTMENT | Initially, it is quite easy to get used to with bifocal lenses | Progressive lenses can take a bit to get familiar with, but the wait seems worth it when you enjoy crystal clear vision with these lenses |
Both bifocal and progressive lenses are designed to correct similar vision problems. Most of the youngsters prefer progressive lenses due to their fashionable look. Bifocals seem to look outdated dues to line effect. Bifocals although are pocket-friendly.
There’s just a slight difference between progressive and bifocal lenses. Both offer exceptional vision correction and helps to look around more clearly. You just need to select the lens type that is precise for vision precision.
