Every time you make a new pair of glasses, your brain needs time to adjust to the new contacts/lenses. In general, the period of adaptation for progressive lenses can vary from one day to up to three weeks, several factors affect this:
- prescribed prescription for looking ahead and reading
- Increase of the addition value
- experience with glasses beforehand
In the case of a problem, do not hesitate to contact your optician. He will be glad to answer any and all your question and adjust your glasses if necessary.
What are progressive lenses, and how do they work?
Progressive lenses are the most advanced optical solutions for your eyes, they contain a few corrective area's. They allow you to clearly see across all distances.
Distance area
When looking through the upper part of the lens, you will see very comfortably out in the distance when driving, watching TV or watching a movie in a cinema, or during a walk through nature.
Middle area
The middle zone or the progressive channel is the middle part of the lens where the prescription is changing ever so slightly to your reading prescription. The width of this area depends on the selected design of your lens. Even though it's the most narrow part of your lens, it still ensures clear vision across middle distances, like the monitor of your laptop or screen and the dashboard of your car.
Reading area
The lower part of the lens is dedicated for reading or looking at objects up close. In this area, the prescription is highest. It ensures a comfortable sight with a wide viewing angle.
Periphery areas
Called the periphery zone's of progressive lenses, they are unclear visual zones on the edges of a progressive lens. Such areas are impossible to completely eliminate, but they won't bother you unless you stick to the recommendations.
Recommendations when using the distance area
The upper part of the lens allows you to clearly see in the distance.
While looking afar, ensure that you're always looking through the upper part of the lens. It's recommendable to turn your head in the direction you want to see, instead of moving your eyes around.
Tips for walking on steps
Look through the upper part of the lens and lower your chin toward your chest. Ensure that you're looking toward each step before you step on it. Use the handrails, especially in the beginning. Very soon you will get a natural feel for walking on steps.
Advice when driving
Depending on the focus point, you will either be using the distance zone or the middle zone of your lenses.
Watching the road
Keep your hands in a normal position and look through the upper part of your lens(distance area).
Looking at the dashboard
Gently lower your head and look through the middle area of your lenses.
Visors
Look through the upper part of your lenses and turn your head toward the visors you wish to use.
Driving in reverse
Use the upper part of your lens and turn your head in the direction you wish to drive in reverse. You will probably have to turn your head more than before.
Recommendations when using the middle zone
The middle zone of your lens will help you focus on objects that are somewhat distanced.
That distance ranges from 0.5m to 1.5m. You will have to lower or raise your chin to find the sharpest focal point. Unless you're working in an office, you will use the middle zone to look at the monitor or the objects on your table.
Office glasses
Unless the middle zone on your everyday lenses are too narrow, we recommend you to try out the office lenses which are specially designed for a smooth transition between the reading and middle zones, respectively. They offer a wide middle area, allowing for distances of up to 4m. Professionals who want the highest resolution, contrast and visual perspective will reap the benefits of specially designed office lenses.
Advice for using the reading zones
The lower part of your lens will help you when focusing on objects that are close up. For example: a book, tablet, comic book or newspapers.
Hold the reading material at a normal reading distance (between 33 and 40 cm from your eyes). Look through the lower part of your lens to find the sharpest focus point.
Special advice for reading
When reading full lines of text, moving your head from one side to the other is critical.
Reading above eye height
Every time when you wish to look at something close, but above eye height, make sure that your chin is raised high enough until you find the sharpest focus point. You will look through either the middle or lower part of the lens, depending how far from the object you are.
Adapting to a new lens
It will take an estimated amount of time to get used to a new pair of lenses that are specially created, so that the adoption period can be reduced as much as possible. Follow the below instructions for an even shorter adjustment period.
- Wear the new glasses as much as possible. Putting them on and off will increase the adoption period. It is especially important to wear them in the first few weeks, all throughout the day.
- Do not wear your old glasses. Your eyes will need to constantly refocus which will cause fatigue.
- Move your head in the direction you are looking, do not just move your eyes.
- In case you do not feel comfortable and are feeling headaches after 2-4 weeks of wearing, visit your optician and consult with him on the best course of action.
- Regularly pay visits to your optician for checkups on how the glasses fit, especially if you hit into something. This will ensure the best possible sight.
