Our ocular system, from the age of 40-45 years, suffers a natural wear or aging that causes the loss of ability to focus up close, the famous presbyopia. Not many years ago there were solutions such as bifocal lenses, which was like joining two lenses in one with different prescriptions, until 1959, when Bernard Maitenaz invented the first progressive lens. This lens, also called multifocal, is the most advanced of all lenses. By means of an algorithm, it is possible to retallar a surface from which we can see far, near and in between. Even today, this technological invention is still considered one of the greatest advances in the optical sector.
But are all progressive lenses the same? NO.
We must admit that the information reaching the market is confusing and contradictory. There are many offers of “high-end progressives” at very competitive prices, but what does high-end progressive mean? Just as a guide, you can find progressives on the market from 150€ to 1200€ per pair, not counting the frame.
There are many variables to classify a progressive lens: manufacturing and cutting technology, size precision, fields of vision, customization
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If we analyze the manufacturing technology, we will find expressions such as traditional or freeform cutting. Currently all lenses on the market are freeform, so this feature should not influence your purchase decision. What you should take into account is the precision of the regrind and whether it is done on one side of the lens or on two sides. To give you an example, imagine a picture painted with a broad brush or a picture painted with a brush, which one will have more detail and be more accurate? It is the same with lenses: the more accurate the regrind, the better the field of view, the better the transition between distances and the more sharpness.
On the other hand, the characteristic “personalized” has resonated strongly in the communication of progressive lens sales campaigns. All progressive lenses are customized, as they are manufactured based on the data provided by the optometrist especially for each customer. In other words, there is no warehouse of lenses ready to be sent to the optician, each lens is manufactured on demand.
But is customization by prescription everything? No. We can customize the lenses according to the specific needs of the user and according to the position in which we are going to use those lenses. Isn’t it true that the same glasses do not look the same depending on who wears them? Some of us have a bigger nose, others have ears higher or lower, our features… All this influences the position in which we are going to use the lens and directly affects the proportionality of the image and comfort. The same lens positioned at different angles provides different visual effects and can be the cause of discomfort or maladjustment. That is why it is important to know that there are digital measuring instruments to analyze the position of the lens on our face and customize the manufacturing angles to give us 100% lens performance.
In short, as you can see, the world of progressives is not easy. Basing our decision solely on price is a mistake because we do not have enough information to make a comparison purchase. Wouldn’t you buy a car without knowing what power it has and the extras it comes with as standard? It is the same with lenses.
Our recommendation is that you go to reliable centers that know how to explain the differences between lenses, that are professional and that understand your needs. At Interoptics we try to adapt to all our patients by finding the best value for money solution.
