As you may know, glasses are used to help people see better. They can be used to correct different types of vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, not all glasses are created equal. There are three main types of glasses: progressive, bifocals, and single vision glasses. In this blog post, we will explain the differences between these types of glasses, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Single Vision Glasses
They have a single prescription that corrects vision at one distance. If you only need glasses to see things far away or up close, you may only need single vision glasses. This means that the entire lens is made with the same prescription, whether you need glasses for driving, reading, or another specific task.
Bifocal Glasses
Bifocal glasses have two prescriptions in one lens. The top of the lens corrects distance vision, while the bottom of the lens corrects near vision. They are often used by people who have difficulty seeing things up close as they age, a condition called presbyopia. This means that they can use the same pair of glasses for reading and for other tasks like driving. Bifocal glasses have a visible line separating the two prescriptions, making it easy to tell where the near vision portion starts.
Progressive Glasses
Progressive glasses, also known as no-line bifocals or multifocals, are similar to bifocal glasses in that they have multiple prescriptions in one lens. However, instead of a visible line separating the prescriptions, progressive glasses have a gradual transition between them. This means that the lens is made with three different prescriptions, with the top for distance, the middle for intermediate, and the bottom for near vision. This makes them an ideal option for people who need correction for a range of distances without the visible line that bifocals have.
Which One Should You Choose?
An eye exam can help you determine which type of glasses will best fit your needs.
Understanding the differences between the different lenses can help you make an informed decision about which type of glasses is right for you. No matter what type of glasses you choose, make sure to get regular eye exams to keep your prescription up to date and your eyes healthy. Schedule your eye exam now with Dr. Shinger or Dr. Viswanathan. Call our office 289-309-1090 to book your appointment now!