If you are reading this article, it is probably because your arms suddenly seem too short to read the menu at a restaurant! Rest assured, this completely natural phenomenon that happens around the age of 40 is called presbyopia. Fortunately, modern optics invented a magical solution: the progressive lens (often called a varifocal). Far from the clichés and fears of adapting, let's discover together simply how this jewel of technology works, and learn to decipher your optical prescription like a pro!
1. The progressive lens: 3 vision zones in a single lens
Unlike classic "reading" glasses that are only useful for seeing things very close, progressive lenses are designed to accompany the natural movement of your eyes daily. It is a lens that possesses variable optical power, distributed into three fluid zones that are invisible from the outside:
- The upper zone (Distance vision): This is the top part of the lens. You use it naturally when looking straight ahead (driving, watching television, recognizing a friend in the street).
- The central zone (Intermediate vision): This is the "progression corridor". It is ideal for medium distances, between 40 cm and 1 meter. Perfect for working on your computer screen, looking at your car's dashboard, or cooking.
- The lower zone (Near vision): By simply lowering your eyes, you access the "magnifying" zone. It allows you to read a book or look at your smartphone with absolute sharpness.
To better understand why our vision evolves this way with age, feel free to consult our dedicated article: What is presbyopia?.
2. The secret of your prescription: The "ADD" label
Do you have your prescription in front of you and it looks like a complex math problem? Do not panic! Here are the key elements:
- OD / OG (or RE / LE): Right Eye (Oculus Dexter) and Left Eye (Oculus Sinister).
- Sphere (SPH): A negative number (-) indicates myopia (difficulty seeing far away). A positive number (+) indicates hyperopia (effort required to see up close).
- Cylinder (CYL): It corrects astigmatism (slightly distorted vision due to the shape of the eye).
- ADD (Addition): This is the magic word for progressive lenses! This value (always positive, ranging from +0.75 to +3.50) corresponds to the magnifying effect that must be "added" to the bottom of your lens to correct presbyopia. If you have an "ADD" on your prescription, you need progressive lenses!
3. Why adapting is ultra-fast today
You sometimes hear that it takes weeks to get used to progressive lenses. That might have been true 20 years ago, but technology has taken giant leaps! Today, we use "digital freeform surfacing", a point-by-point cutting technique that considerably widens the fields of vision and eliminates the sensation of swaying or swimming on the sides.
At Visionet, we take your comfort very seriously. From our workshops, we prioritize excellence by equipping our frames with latest-generation lenses, notably those from the French brand Novacel. This demand for quality guarantees a smooth, natural, and almost immediate adaptation. To learn more about the different ranges, check out our page on how to properly choose your progressive lenses.
4. Progressive lenses: Budget and insurance reimbursements
A lens concentrating so much technology obviously requires specialized expertise, which affects its price compared to a single-vision lens. However, regaining perfect vision should not be an unaffordable luxury!
Today, there are many solutions to control your optical budget. Progressive lenses are very well covered by the majority of health and optical insurances. Depending on your specific policy, you can take advantage of high-quality equipment while keeping your out-of-pocket costs minimal or even at €0. Curious to know more? Read our guide: Reimbursements and optical insurance for your progressive lenses.
Advice from Visionet Opticians
The secret to a great pair of progressive glasses is also the frame! Avoid shapes that are too small or too narrow. A good frame must have enough height to comfortably accommodate the near vision zone without cutting into the distance vision zone. Whether you visit our boutique in Derval or order online, our qualified opticians always validate the compatibility of your choice!
Frequently asked questions from our customers
What does the "ADD" label on my prescription mean? +
The "ADD", or Addition, corresponds to the "magnifying" power added to the bottom of your lens to help you see up close. It relates to presbyopia and generally varies from +0.75 (early presbyopia) to +3.50. It is the primary indicator that you need progressive lenses.
Is it difficult to get used to progressive lenses? +
Today, with latest-generation lenses (like the Novacel ones we use), adaptation generally takes just a few days. Visual comfort has become the absolute priority for manufacturers!
Can I choose any frame? +
Almost! You simply need to avoid frames that are too small in height (less than 28 mm), as they do not leave enough space to properly integrate the near vision zone located at the bottom of the lens.
Last updated: — Editorial: Team Visionet.
