Progressive Contacts: Seeing Clearly at Every Distance
Yes, you can get progressive contacts. Progressive contact lenses offer a seamless transition between near, intermediate, and distance vision correction, providing a multifocal solution for people with presbyopia.
Understanding Presbyopia and the Need for Correction
Presbyopia, a common age-related condition, typically begins around the age of 40. The lens inside the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. This leads to blurry vision when reading, using a computer, or performing other close-up tasks. Traditionally, presbyopia has been managed with reading glasses or bifocal lenses. Progressive lenses, also known as no-line bifocals, offer a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative, both in eyeglasses and increasingly, in contact lenses. They provide a smooth, gradual transition between different prescription strengths, eliminating the visible line found in bifocals.
Benefits of Progressive Contact Lenses
Progressive contact lenses offer several advantages over traditional reading glasses or bifocals:
- Seamless Vision: A smooth transition between near, intermediate, and distance vision eliminates the jarring effect of bifocal lines.
- Natural Vision: Your eyes can work together naturally to focus at different distances.
- Wider Field of View: Progressive lenses provide a broader field of vision compared to reading glasses, particularly at intermediate distances.
- Freedom from Glasses: No need to carry around reading glasses or switch between different pairs.
- Cosmetic Appeal: A more youthful appearance without the visible lines of bifocals.
- Suitable for Active Lifestyles: Contacts stay in place during sports and other activities.
The Fitting Process for Progressive Contacts
Getting fitted for progressive contact lenses involves a comprehensive eye exam and a specialized fitting process:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: Your eye doctor will evaluate your overall eye health and determine your exact prescription needs.
- Contact Lens Evaluation: The doctor will assess the shape and size of your cornea to determine the best contact lens parameters. This may involve corneal topography, a mapping of the corneal surface.
- Trial Lens Fitting: You’ll be fitted with trial lenses to assess comfort, vision quality, and lens movement.
- Vision Assessment with Trial Lenses: Your doctor will evaluate your vision at different distances while wearing the trial lenses. Adjustments will be made as needed.
- Follow-up Appointments: Several follow-up appointments may be necessary to fine-tune the fit and prescription, ensuring optimal vision and comfort.
- Training and Education: Your doctor will provide instructions on how to insert, remove, clean, and care for your progressive contact lenses.
Types of Progressive Contact Lenses
There are several types of progressive contact lenses available, each with its own advantages:
- Simultaneous Vision Lenses: These lenses have concentric rings or zones with different powers for distance and near vision. Your brain learns to select the appropriate focus.
- Aspheric Progressive Lenses: These lenses gradually change power across the surface, providing a smoother transition between near and distance vision.
- Translating Lenses: Similar to bifocal eyeglasses, these lenses move on the eye, positioning the distance portion for looking ahead and the near portion for looking down. These are less common than simultaneous vision or aspheric lenses.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While progressive contacts offer many benefits, some individuals may experience challenges:
- Adjustment Period: It can take some time for your brain to adapt to progressive lenses.
- Compromised Distance Vision: Some individuals may experience slightly reduced distance vision, particularly with simultaneous vision lenses.
- “Swim” Effect: A slight distortion or “swim” effect may occur when moving your head quickly.
- Dry Eye: Contact lens wear can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Lubricating eye drops can help.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Individuals with certain eye conditions or corneal irregularities may not be good candidates for progressive contact lenses.
Cost Considerations
Progressive contact lenses generally cost more than standard single-vision contacts. The price varies depending on the brand, lens material, and type of lens. You also need to factor in the cost of the eye exam and fitting. It’s best to discuss pricing with your eye doctor.
| Feature | Single-Vision Contacts | Progressive Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Vision Correction | Single Distance | Multifocal |
| Complexity | Simpler | More Complex |
| Fitting Process | Easier | More Involved |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cleaning Lenses Properly: Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses.
- Overwearing Lenses: Avoid wearing your lenses for longer than recommended.
- Sleeping in Lenses: Unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear, remove your lenses before sleeping.
- Ignoring Discomfort: If you experience any discomfort, redness, or irritation, remove your lenses and consult your eye doctor.
- Using Tap Water to Clean Lenses: Always use sterile contact lens solution to clean and rinse your lenses.
- Skipping Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal vision and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Progressive Contacts
How long does it take to adjust to progressive contact lenses?
The adjustment period varies from person to person. Some people adapt within a few days, while others may take a few weeks. Consistent wear is crucial for adaptation. If you are still experiencing significant difficulties after a few weeks, consult your eye doctor.
Are progressive contacts suitable for people with astigmatism?
Yes, there are toric progressive contact lenses available that correct both presbyopia and astigmatism. These lenses are designed to stay in a specific orientation on the eye to provide clear vision. Your eye doctor will need to perform a comprehensive fitting to determine if they are suitable for you.
What happens if I can’t adjust to progressive contact lenses?
If you are unable to adjust to progressive contacts, there are other options available, such as reading glasses worn over single-vision contacts, monovision contact lenses (where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near), or reverting to progressive eyeglasses. Your eye doctor can help you explore these alternatives.
Can I wear progressive contacts while driving?
Yes, in most cases, you can wear progressive contacts while driving. However, it is important to ensure that your vision is clear and comfortable at all distances, including distance, intermediate (dashboard), and near (GPS). If you experience any glare or difficulty seeing at night, consult your eye doctor.
How do I clean and care for progressive contact lenses?
The cleaning and care instructions for progressive contact lenses are generally the same as for other types of soft contact lenses. Use a multi-purpose solution to clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses. Avoid using tap water, as it can contain harmful microorganisms. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully.
Are progressive contacts more expensive than regular contacts?
Yes, progressive contacts are typically more expensive than regular single-vision contacts due to the more complex design and manufacturing process. However, the added convenience and improved vision may be worth the extra cost for many individuals.
What if I have dry eyes? Can I still wear progressive contacts?
People with dry eyes can often wear progressive contacts, but it’s important to manage the dry eye symptoms effectively. Your eye doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers. Certain lens materials, such as silicone hydrogel, may also be more comfortable for dry eyes.
Can I wear progressive contacts overnight?
Only certain types of progressive contact lenses are approved for overnight wear. Your eye doctor will determine if you are a suitable candidate for extended wear and prescribe the appropriate lenses. Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear can increase the risk of eye infections.
How often do I need to replace progressive contact lenses?
Progressive contact lenses are available in daily disposable, bi-weekly, and monthly replacement schedules. Daily disposables are generally the most hygienic option, as they eliminate the need for cleaning and disinfecting. Your eye doctor will recommend the best replacement schedule for you based on your individual needs and lifestyle.
What if my progressive contact lenses move around too much?
Some lens movement is normal, but excessive movement can cause blurry vision. If your lenses are moving around too much, consult your eye doctor. They may need to adjust the lens fit or try a different lens design.
Do progressive contacts work for computer use?
Yes, progressive contacts are excellent for computer use because they provide clear vision at the intermediate distance required for viewing a computer screen. This eliminates the need to tilt your head back or lean forward to see clearly.
Can I get a free trial of progressive contact lenses?
Many eye doctors offer free trials of progressive contact lenses to allow you to experience the vision and comfort before committing to a purchase. Contact your local eye doctor to inquire about trial lens availability.