Why progressive lenses can take time to get used to

Progressive lenses (sometimes called multifocals) let you see far away, at arm’s length and up close through one lens, without the line you’d see on old-style bifocals.

How they work

The top of the lens is set for distance. The power changes gradually as you look down, through a middle zone for screens and the dashboard, to the reading zone at the bottom. Towards the sides of the lens there are areas that are less sharp. That’s a normal part of the design.

Why the first days feel different

Your eyes and brain need to learn where to look. At first you may notice:

• the floor or steps looking a little closer or tilted
• a slight swimming feeling when you turn your head quickly
• having to find the right spot for reading

For most people this settles as they wear the glasses regularly. How long it takes varies from person to person.

Settling in

• Wear them full time from the start, rather than swapping back and forth.
• Point your nose at what you want to see, and turn your head rather than just your eyes.
• For reading, lower your eyes, not your head.
• Take care on stairs at first, and look down through the top of the lens.

Why measurements matter

The zones in a progressive lens have to line up with where your eyes actually sit in your chosen frame. That’s why we measure you in the frame you’ve chosen, and why adjustments after collection matter.

If something still doesn’t feel right after you’ve worn them regularly, come back and tell us. We’ll check the prescription, the measurements and the fit.