Proximity Lenses (Degressive, Mid-Distance, Computer)
Proximity lenses, also known as degressive lenses, mid-distance lenses, or computer lenses, are today one of the best choices for digital and office activities. They are very often used as an additional pair by people already equipped with progressive lenses, as the latter are not always optimized for intensive screen use: intermediate zone too narrow, forced posture, visual fatigue…
These lenses can also become the ideal first pair for new presbyopes. With age (generally after 40–45 years), the crystalline lens loses flexibility: reading or working up close gradually becomes more difficult. Proximity lenses are then a comfortable and natural solution.
1Understanding Proximity Lenses
Proximity lenses are designed to offer precise vision at short and mid-distances, generally between approximately 40 cm and 1 meter*. This range perfectly matches the needs related to computers, screens in general, office work, and many manual tasks.
Unlike progressive lenses which cover all distances, degressive lenses focus exclusively on near and intermediate vision, with a wide and comfortable field of clarity. The result: a more natural posture, fewer head movements, and reduced visual fatigue.
* Indicative distance that can be adjusted by our opticians according to your prescription, posture, and workstation configuration.
2Why Can't I See Up Close Anymore?
Presbyopia is a natural phenomenon related to age. As the crystalline lens loses elasticity, the eye struggles to focus on close-up vision: texts blur, you move documents further away, and the screen becomes more tiring to look at.
Proximity lenses restore optimal comfort for near and intermediate vision. They allow you to read, type, consult documents, and use multiple screens without having to adopt an uncomfortable posture.
3Who Are Proximity Lenses For?
These lenses are particularly suitable if you:
- Work several hours a day on a computer.
- Are a DIY enthusiast, painter, sculptor, seamstress, or perform precision work.
- Are a musician and read sheet music at an intermediate distance.
- Experience discomfort with your progressive lenses in front of a screen (intermediate zone too narrow, hunched posture).
- Wear contact lenses for distance vision and want a frame dedicated to close-up work.
These lenses offer clear vision:
✔ at 40 cm (reading, keyboard, documents)
✔ up to 1 meter or more* depending on the chosen setting
4Degressive, Progressive, Single Vision: What Are the Differences?
Progressive Lenses
Correct vision at all distances, from near to far. However, the intermediate zone can sometimes be too narrow, which forces an unnatural posture in front of the screen (head raised, neck strained).
Single Vision Lenses for Near
Perfect for fixed reading at a single distance (book, tablet at close range). However, they are not suitable for frequent back-and-forth between document → screen or workstations with multiple distances.
Degressive Lenses (Proximity)
Combine near vision + intermediate vision with a wide field of view. They offer a natural posture and remarkable comfort for prolonged digital use. In return, they are not suitable for driving or walking.
5Ergonomics and Optical Zones
Proximity lenses are specially designed to respect your natural posture. The near zone is located in the lower part of the lens (reading, keyboard), while the intermediate zone is situated in the line of sight when you are seated facing the screen.
This design limits cervical tension and allows for fluid navigation between documents, keyboard, and screens. You move your head less, your shoulders are more relaxed, and visual fatigue decreases.
Important: these lenses are not intended for mobility.
❌ Prolonged walking — ❌ Driving — ❌ Distance vision beyond 2–3 meters.
6Recommended Treatments for Your Proximity Lenses
To get the most out of your proximity lenses, we recommend the following treatments:
- Anti-reflective coating: reduces artificial reflections from screens and lighting (neon, LED), improves lens transparency, and includes a hard coating. Available from €19 per pair.
- Blue light filter: useful for prolonged screen use, with a slight tint. Avoid if color fidelity is essential (photo editing, graphic design, image professions).
7How to Order Your Proximity Lenses
- Choose a frame on our website (prescription glasses or a frame dedicated to office use).
- Click on "Add my lenses with or without prescription" from the product page.
- Select "Add prescription lenses with or without third-party payment" then the option "proximity / mid-distance".
- Choose your lens range below.
⭐ STANDARD VISION (Omega Optix – Fine Focus Office)
Usage: daily office use, single or dual screen work.
Comfort: depth of field of approximately 1 meter*, suitable for common needs.
Adjustment: depth of field adjustable upon request by our opticians.
⭐⭐ WIDE VISION (Novacel – Easy Max / Easy Next)
Usage: intensive use, multi-screen workstations, long days of digital work.
Comfort: wide and very fluid zones, depth of field of approximately 1 meter*.
Adjustment: customizable configuration according to your working distance and habits.
* Indicative depth of field. It can be adjusted according to your prescription and workstation.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order my mid-distance lenses?
From the chosen frame:
- Click on "Add my lenses with or without prescription".
- Select "Add prescription lenses with or without third-party payment".
- Choose the option "proximity / mid-distance" then your lens range.
Our opticians are available to guide you through each step, especially for choosing the range and depth of field.
I want to precisely define my field of vision. How do I do that?
First, place your order by selecting proximity / mid-distance lenses, then contact our opticians. Together, we will define the ideal depth of field based on:
- Your usual working posture.
- The configuration of your office (one or more screens).
- The actual screen / eye distance.
- Your activities (computer, music, DIY, creative work…).
If you do not provide specific instructions, our opticians will calculate the depth of field by default based on your prescription, generally providing clarity up to approximately 1 meter at the top of the lens.
Can I watch TV with degressive lenses?
Generally, no. Degressive lenses are designed for distances between 40 cm and 1 meter. However, television is most often viewed between 2 and 5 meters, a distance not corrected by these lenses.
Result: vision is blurry and uncomfortable. To watch TV, it is preferable to use a distance correction (single vision lenses) or your progressive lenses.
Do degressive lenses replace my progressive lenses?
No, proximity lenses do not replace your progressive lenses; they are complementary.
Progressive lenses correct all distances (near, intermediate, far) and remain essential for your movements, driving, and daily activities. Degressive lenses, on the other hand, exclusively optimize near and intermediate vision.
Many presbyopes therefore use a pair of progressive lenses for daily life and a pair of proximity lenses dedicated to office work and computer use.
Can I drive with proximity lenses?
No, proximity lenses do not correct distance vision. They are designed only for proximity and indoor tasks (computer, reading, close manual work).
They are therefore strictly forbidden for driving a vehicle. To drive safely, use your distance vision lenses or your progressive lenses adapted for the road.
