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February 2023

Progressive Lenses: Pros & Cons, and What to Expect
Progressive Lenses: Pros & Cons, and What to Expect 150 150 jometry1

OverviewNO Line Bifocal

When shopping for prescription eyewear you will be presented with a selection of various lenses. These are Single Vision, Bi-Focal, Tri-Focal, and Progressive. Single Vision Lenses come in one strength. Bi-Focal and Tri-Focal come in two and three strengths respectively. Bi-Focal and Tri-Focal have a very clear cut between strengths known as “line”. While this cut might work, it has become out of fashion. Here is were Progressive Additional Lenses (PAL), also known as Progressive or No-Line lenses come into the equation. These lenses come in variable strength without the line making them more sleek and fashionable than its older variants.

Progressive Lenses

No line Bifocal
Progressive Lenses

What are progressives?

Progressive lenses are specifically made for patients that require corrective lenses for both distant and nearby objects. To put it simply, if you want one pair of glasses and don’t want a line, progressives are your best option.

Pros

Progressives solve many of the issues and inconveniences of having multiple glasses, or Bi-Focal lenses. No need to switch between glasses, there is no distracting line, and they look much more modern and sleek.

1. One pair of Glasses

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to carry an extra pair of glasses and having to switch between distance and reading. Think of it this way, your smartphone is a phone, a calculator, a map, among other things. Progressives are the smartphone of lenses, combining reading, and distance in a nice sleek package.

2. No line

Nobody likes lines. Lines are boring, lines are ugly. You don’t see people standing in line at the grocery store praising the fact that they have to stand for minutes waiting to pay for their groceries. While progressive lenses might not get rid of the line at the DMV or the grocery store, they do get rid of the line in your lenses. One less line to worry about.

3. Modern look

You probably wear your glasses everywhere so looking fashionable all the time is very important. You don’t have to settle just because you need multiple powers. While we at View Optical Eyeglasses Store aren’t fashion experts, we do know that progressives are way cooler than Bi-Focal.

Cons

Nothing is perfect, and that includes Progressive Lenses. You may notice distortion at the edges of your lens, it might take a few days to get comfortable wearing your glasses, and they tend to cost more.

1. Distortions on the edges

Hold your horses, we love progressive lenses but there are some things to need to keep in mind. To be able to go from one strength to another without a line some sacrifices have to be made. Distortion on the edges are a real thing. While they might be distracting at first, once you get used to your new pair of Progressive Lenses, you will not notice them.

2. Need to train your eyes

Something we see at our store almost every day is patients who can’t read from their progressive lenses properly. This is a common issue when you get a new pair of Progressives. Unlike glasses with a line, you can’t pin-point the perfect place to read from, it takes a few days for your eyes to find the perfect spot for reading. Think of it muscle memory but for your eyes.

3. Higher cost

Technology comes at a price. Progressive Lenses are more expensive to manufacture so they come at a premium compared to Bi-Focal lenses. Nevertheless, the convenience and simplicity of having one pair of eyeglasses is something our patients feel is worth it.

Are progressive lenses for me?

We at View Optical Eyeglasses Store in Fremont, love our progressive lenses. Our technicians at our state of the art optical laboratory are huge fans. But we understand Progressive Lenses are not the right choice for everyone. Some patients may have problems adjusting to their progressive lenses which sometimes can be solved readjusting the strength of of their lens. For patients that work in front of their computer we recommend our Computer Progressive Lenses, which are stronger for intermediate distance.

Takeaway

Progressive lenses can seem a bit complicated to use at first, but once you master them you will love them. Remember, you will need to pick the right material for your glasses, so read our Eyeglass Lenses Materials Guide to learn more. Next time you visit your Eye Care Specialist ask about progressive lenses to make sure if they are right for you. If you are located in or around Fremont, California you can book an appointment with our Independent Optometrist.

Eye Glasses Lenses Material
A Guide to Eyeglass Lenses Materials
A Guide to Eyeglass Lenses Materials 720 342 jometry1

A Guide to Eyeglass Lenses Materials

Based on your prescription, frame selection, and lifestyle needs, our team of professional opticians in View Optical in Fremont can recommend the best lens materials for you. Here is a quick guide on some of the materials you may hear about at your appointment.

Types of Eyeglass Lenses Thickness

High Index 1.74
High Index 1.67
Polycarbonate 1.586
Trivex 1.53
Plastic 1.498

Plastic

  • Lightweight:
  • Affordable:
  • Less scratch-resistant
  • Covers the widest range prescriptions

Trivex lenses

  • Lightweight:
  • Impact resistant:
  • High Optical clarity:
  • UV protection

Polycarbonate lenses

  • Lightweight:
  • More expensive.
  • Impact resistant
  • Covers the widest range prescriptions

High index lenses

  • Thinner and lighter.
  • More attractive.
  • Better optical quality.
  • Covers the widest range prescriptions.
Can I use HSA to buy glasses?
Can I use HSA to buy glasses? 150 150 jometry1

Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used to buy glasses. This includes prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, and eye exams.

What is HSA?

Health Savings Account, also known as HSA is a type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

Who is eligible for HSA?

The IRS has strict guidelines for who is eligible to open and contribute to a health savings account.

Under the law, an eligible individual:

    • Must be 18 years of age or older

    • May not be covered under any health plan that is not a qualified HDHP
        • There are limited exceptions to this

    • Must not be enrolled in Medicare (the healthcare component of the Social Security program)

    • May not be claimed as a dependent on another individual’s tax return

If you do not live in the United States, you can still open an HSA under certain circumstances:

    • You are a US citizen and are paid in US dollars

or

    • You are employed in the US and are paid in US dollars
        • You will need a US-based Social Security Number/TIN to open an HSA – this is generally necessary to work in the US as well.

Note: If you are eligible for national health coverage in your home country (e.g., Canada), you are not eligible to contribute to an HSA.

Please see IRS Publication 969 for more information.

Can I use HSA to buy glasses?

Since prescription glasses are meant to correct your vision, they are categorized as a health expense therefor HSA can be used to purchase them. Prescription Eyeglasses, Prescription Sunglasses, Contact Lenses, and Eye Exams also qualify. Please note that Non-Prescription Eye wear does not qualify, as it does not correct vision, and therefor is not a medical expense.

BRAND NAME

BRAND eyewear collection represents the ideal balance of understated, elegant eyeglasses frames and bold sunglasses influenced by modern fashion and vintage glamour. Discover distinctive frames from BRAND designer eyewear line at View Optical Eyeglasses Store in Fremont.

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Can I buy BRAND NAME with my Insurace?

We take most vision plans. Take a look at the list of accepted insurances or contact us to see if your insurance is accepted.

Ready to Book an Appointment?

Let our team of professional and friendly opticians help you pick the right frames. Book an appointment with our Independent Optometrist for an Eye Exam. No appointment necessary for shopping our large selection of frames in Fremont.

Ready to Book an Appointment?

Let our team of professional and friendly opticians help you pick the right frames. Book an appointment with our Independent Optometrist for an Eye Exam. No appointment necessary for shopping our large selection of frames.

Can I buy BRAND NAME with my Insurace?

We take most vision plans. Take a look at the list of accepted insurances or contact us to see if your insurance is accepted.

Gallery