What are Bifocal and Progressive lenses?

Things you should know

about Bifocal and Progressive lenses

Bifocal lenses are lenses that have only two lens powers. One power for seeing distant objects clearly (located at the top) and a second power in the

lower section of the lens (referred to as the segment) , for near vision. There is a visible “bifocal line” that is seen where these two different powers meet.

Progressive lenses, on the other hand, look the same as single vision lenses. Progressive lenses provide a seamless progression from distance to intermediate to near vision They help you see clearly at all distances, without the “bifocal line” that’s visible with Bifocal lenses.

We know what you’re thinking! You want to choose Progressive lenses over Bifocals to prevent those “bifocal lines?” Well, Progressive and Bifocal lenses are intended for different purposes and each possess their own benefits and drawbacks.

Firstly there is no “perfect lens” as each lens type has its own benefits and differences depending on your visual requirements.

Bifocal lenses are relatively simply compared to progressive lenses. They offer very wide and comfortable distance and reading zones but they lack an “intermediate zone” which is what is needed for computer use and any task that requires you to be at around an arms length distance. Bifocal lenses also have the “bifocal line” that some view as a cosmetic disadvantage.

Progressive lenses on the other hand do have an intermediate zone that allows for clear vision on computers and any task at any distance as well as the advantage of no “bifocal line” BUT the distance and reading zones, when compared to bifocal lenses, are smaller. The progressive lens design also dictates that you must use more head movements to ensure that your eye always stays within the center region of the lenses and not the periphery in order to maintain clear vision.

As you can see, both Progressive and Bifocals have great benefits but they also have differences based on your particular visual requirements. If you experience symptoms of Presbyopia, book your eye exam and your optometrist will recommend which prescription lens is best for you!

Contact Us

60-62 Frederick Street, Port of Spain

1-868-620-EYES (3937)

ultimateeyewearltd@gmail.com

ultimateeyewearltd.com

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday : 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Saturdays: 9:00AM – 1:00PM

What you need to know about Presbyopia

Things you should know

about Presbyopia

First time hearing the word “Presbyopia“? Well, it may sound strange but it’s a natural part of the aging process for our eyes. In Greek, Presbyopia means ‘old eye’ and it’s just that. As we age, our eyes may lose the ability to focus on close objects. As a result, someone with Presbyopia may hold reading material or devices further away to see better. Has anyone experienced this? If you’ve experienced this, don’t worry!  Book an eye exam and your optometrist will diagnose you with a series of tests. The treatment options include Prescription lenses such as Bifocal and Progressive lenses.

Contact Us

60-62 Frederick Street, Port of Spain

1-868-620-EYES (3937)

ultimateeyewearltd@gmail.com

ultimateeyewearltd.com

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday : 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Saturdays: 9:00AM – 1:00PM

Your Prescription explained

Things you should know

about your prescription

Your prescription is important as it will tell if you’re Shortsighted (can’t see far) , Long Sighted ( could see distance and near but might experience : Frontal Headaches, Burning and Watering eyes ), or if you have Astigmatism (blurry vision plus eyestrain) or Presbyopia (An age related inability to read fine print that starts at or around the age of 40 years old).

We will discuss what the numbers/abbreviations on the prescription mean today, and dive deeper into the other elements later in the next few segments. It’s important to note that a prescription for eyeglasses is written in a standardized format, this is done so it can be interpreted worldwide.

Let’s start with the abbreviations, You may see “DV” and “NV” indicated on your prescription form, this indicates whether vision correction is needed for distance vision (DV) or near vision (NV). You may also see the abbreviations O.D and O.S; these are simply terms for the right eye or left eye. For example, the right eye is the Oculus Dexter (O.D) and the left eye is the Oculus Sinister (O.S). If you see an abbreviation of DS (Dioptre Sphere), this means that Astigmatism is not present.

Now that you’re familiar with the abbreviations, let’s move on to the numbers on your prescription.

The 1st number on your prescription indicates the spherical lens power/ strength needed to correct your short-sightedness or long-sightedness.

If the number starts with a minus sign (-), the lens power would be one to correct short-sightedness. If the number starts with a plus sign (+), then the lens power would be one to correct long-sightedness.

The 2nd number is called the “cylinder” power, and it’s prescribed for the correction of Astigmatism. If there is no second number then the eye is totally Spherical and as mentioned above, you will see the symbol DS.

The third number, the “axis” indicates the location of the lens correction (cylinder) for persons with Astigmatism. The value for the axis ranges from 0-180 degrees. If you don’t have Astigmatism, this part of your eyeglasses prescription will be left blank.

The 4th number is known as the “prism” which is used to correct uneven or misaligned eyes, commonly called Squints. You may also see the words “PD” (Pupillary Distance) written, with a notation. The PD is simply the distance between the center of your pupils.

If the cylinder (CYL) field is blank, then you don’t have Astigmatism, or you only have a very mild form that doesn’t need correcting. A minus sign (-) corresponds to short-sightedness and a plus sign (+) corresponds to long-sightedness.

Another aspect of your prescription related to Astigmatism is the “axis”. The “axis” is a number ranging from 0-180 degrees. If you don’t have Astigmatism, this part of your eyeglasses prescription will be left blank.

If your prescription indicates that you need a cylindrical lens power (for Astigmatism), then you’ll also have an axis power. The axis number tells the eyeglass manufacturer where on your lens the astigmatism correction should be located. also see the words “PD” (Pupillary Distance) written, with a notation. The PD is simply the distance between the center of your pupils.

If you have Presbyopia and need multi-focal lenses (Bi-focal/ Progressives), you will see numbers in both the Distance vision (D.V) and near vision (N.V) sections of your prescription.
In addition to the above, you may also see the word “Add” written below “Distance” on your prescription. “Add” is a number that will represent the magnifying power to be added to the lower half of your progressive or bifocal lenses, this is done to help restore your near vision. The “add” number is typically the same for both eyes.

Once your near vision s restored, you won’t have to worry about holding your reading material at arm’s length in order to see it!

Contact Us

60-62 Frederick Street, Port of Spain

1-868-620-EYES (3937)

ultimateeyewearltd@gmail.com

ultimateeyewearltd.com

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday : 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Saturdays: 9:00AM – 1:00PM