Online Progressive Lens Glasses Precautions

Since the invention of the first pair of Varilux progressive eyeglasses with a modern design in 1953, superior progressive eyeglasses have gained much popularity among the public. This is well founded due to its incomparable advantages over bifocal and trifocal glasses. It is absolutely understandable that many clients seek these benefits. Many of them choose to go from traditional bifocal or trifocal lenses to progressive ones. In recent years, another phenomenon is also taking place: many customers turn to online stores in search of progressive glasses, even if they involve sophisticated factors. The most compelling reason for such a practice is the higher prices of progressive glasses. Buying progressive lens glasses online is the most acceptable for some people. They are willing to spend more time interacting with vendors, in favor of considerable savings. But up to a point, those online progressive glasses are probably less competent at offering individual vision correction.

These disadvantages of online progressive eyeglasses are closely related to the natural shortcomings of progressive lenses. Without an optician’s in-person review, these shortcomings are likely to be amplified. The first problem is visual distortion. Progressive lenses that offer power progression can create regions of aberration far from the optical axis, leading to poor visual resolution. This can be easily explained because a progressive lens combines a range of powers together on a single surface. In such a case, geometric distortions will occur in the visual field. This type of distortion will increase even with high add power. In the worst case, such distortions can totally outweigh the recognized benefits of wearing progressive lenses. Today, most manufacturers claim that they can achieve an acceptance rate of between 90% and 98%. However, buying progressive lens glasses online can increase that risk.

Another factor is the adaptation of the lenses. Progressive lenses must be carefully adjusted according to the center of the wearers pupil from a distance vision reference position. This correct position is essential to ensure normal corrected vision at all distances. Without such a delicate fit, potential problems include narrow fields of vision, clear vision in only one eye, on-axis blurring, and the need for awkward head positions. Buying progressive eyeglasses online makes such a personal fit unavailable. An additional lens fitting is always needed after receiving a progressive pair. This means an additional cost for the client. In general, online progressive lens glasses should not be the usual choice for most customers.