Most Seniors will need to wear a bifocal or trifocal style lens. Lined bifocals are the most popular choice due to their past commonality and ease of use. Switching lens styles can cause adaptation issues.
The new line-less, or progressive, bifocals allow clear vision at near, intermediate and far points, but it should be noted that the wearer must be looking straight on at an object for it to be clear. The edges of the lenses will not provide clear vision; often the distortion is distracting, especially if the distance prescription is strong.
If regular lined bifocal or trifocal lenses serve current needs, often it’s best to stay with what works. Before switching to a new lens style, be sure the optical retailer will switch the lenses back to the old style at no cost if problems occur.
Lens Materials
Lightweight lenses are fast becoming the norm for today’s glasses. Glass lenses are not recommended due to their cost and weight. Plastic lenses are fifty percent lighter than glass, and can be coated or tinted with ease.
Lightweight lenses in materials such as polycarbonate or hi-index offer more benefits than glass or regular plastic lenses. Lightweight lenses are thinner as well as lighter, making the both more comfortable to wear and more attractive. These lenses can reduce problems such as magnified eyes and glasses that are too heavy, even in a smaller frame. The edge thickness of the lens is also dramatically reduced, making bottle-cap lenses truly a thing of the past!