Progressive lenses let you see clearly at different distances without needing to switch between different pairs. They can be a great answer to presbyopia and other age-related changes. But, like with any new thing, getting used to them can take a bit of time and patience.
Our team at Total Vision has a list of 10 tips for how to get used to progressive lenses. 10 tips for how to get used to progressive lenses include:
- Use a wider frame
- Keep your lenses clean
- Start by wearing your progressive lenses indoors
- Watch out for stairs
- Take you time
- Be consistent
- Wear them as much as possible
- Take regular breaks
- Gradually try different environments
- Keep in touch with your optometrist
1. Use a Wider Frame
It all starts with the frame. When you’re getting a pair of progressive lenses, choose a wider option—it gives you a broader field of vision to take full advantage of the unique lens design. A wider frame means more room for the gradual transition from distance vision at the top to near vision at the bottom, which can help you adjust to the new style of lens.
2. Keep Your Lenses Clean
You’d be surprised how much a smudge or a speck of dust can throw things off when you’re trying to adapt to progressive lenses. So, make sure to keep your glasses clean. It makes it a lot easier to see the world clearly when there isn’t oil, grease, dust, or debris covering the lenses.
3. Start by Wearing Your Progressive Lenses Indoors
When you’re beginning to wear your progressive lenses, start indoors. You’ll be in a more familiar environment, which can make it a little less risky.
At first, it’ll take you some time to adjust to the lenses. They can distort your peripheral vision for a bit until you get used to them, so it can help to stay indoors while you adjust to things. Plus, you know how things are supposed to look, so you’ll know when things are distorted.
4. Watch Out for Stairs
Stairs can be a bit tricky at first. Progressive lenses can distort your peripheral vision, and they need you to move your head a little more often than traditional eyeglasses. So when you’re going up or down the stairs, make a point to be extra careful.
5. Take Your Time
Whenever you start something new, it’s perfectly natural to want to master it immediately. But it takes time to learn to use something properly, and progressive lenses are no different.
It’s all about practice. Spend time every day doing things at different distances, like:
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Cooking
This can help your eyes adjust to the new lenses.
6. Be Consistent
Don’t forget to be consistent. If you start switching back and forth between your old glasses and your new progressive lenses, it can put strain on your visual system. It’ll take your brain longer to adjust when you could prioritize the progressive lenses instead, so don’t wear your old pair if you can avoid it.
7. Wear Them as Much as Possible
One of the most important things you can do is to wear your new lenses as much as possible. Even when you’re pretty sure you won’t need them, try to make the point to keep them on.
The more you’re exposed to the lenses, the quicker you’ll adapt. Even if you’re just sitting on the couch with a good book or spending time out in the garden, don’t forget to wear your progressives!
8. Take Regular Breaks
While it’s important to wear your progressive lenses as much as possible, don’t forget to give your eyes a break. If you’re feeling a bit of strain, it’s totally okay to remove your glasses for a short while.
Eye strain can be a problem, and there’s no need to put yourself through it if you can avoid it. So give your eyes a rest here and there, and you’ll be okay.
9. Gradually Try Different Environments
Once you’ve adjusted to wearing the glasses indoors, try to start using them in different environments. Maybe start outside in the yard or when you’re out shopping, and when you’re more comfortable, try going for a drive. Don’t forget to try using them in different lighting as well. Learning to use progressive lenses in different environments plays an important part in mastering them.
10. Keep in Touch with Your Optometrist
And at the end of the day, don’t forget to keep in touch with us here at Total Vision. We’re here to help you adjust to your new lenses, so if you’re struggling or if something feels off, reach out to us. Our team can help make this transition easier, so book an appointment with us today.
