The Power of Photochromic Bifocal and Progressive Lenses

Photochromic lenses are light-adaptive lenses that adjust themselves to different lighting conditions. When indoors, the lenses are clear and when exposed to sunlight, they become dark in less than a minute. They are also known as variable tint lenses and are made in various materials like glass, plastic, and polycarbonate. Photochromic lenses are available in both forms- bifocal and progressive. You can choose according to the type lenses and power you wear in your daily routine.

It is the technology which turns the lenses from light to dark and dark to light. When photochromic lenses are exposed to the sun’s UV rays, the molecules inside them are triggered and the lenses become dark. And, when you bring these lenses inside a room or a vehicle, the UV rays get blocked and unable to enter inside, allowing photochromic lenses to stay in their original state of transparency.

Benefits of Wearing Photochromic Lenses

• They are highly adjustable to varying lighting conditions in indoor and outdoor environments
• Protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun
• They eliminate the use of separate prescription glasses as they are suitable for most frames and prescriptions
• Photochromic lenses are versatile as they can be enhanced using additional treatments like anti-glare coating and scratch-resistance coating
• Can be used by both adults and children
• Since they are distortion free, they can be worn in rains
• Ideal for everyday use

Bifocal Lenses Vs Progressive Lenses

While bifocal lenses are dual-vision lenses that correct distant and near vision, progressive lenses on the other hand, feature three invisible zones of vision- near, far and intermediate.

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, it is a good idea to opt for photochromic bifocal or photochromic progressive lenses. Because they not only shield your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun but also provide you with a seamless and comfortable vision for different areas.

How Do Bifocal Lenses Work?

Bifocal lenses are perfect for people suffering from presbyopia- a condition in which a person experiences blurred or distorted near vision while reading a book. To correct this problem of distant and near vision, bifocal lenses are used. They feature two distinct areas of vision correction, differentiated by a line across the lenses. The top area of the lens is used for seeing distant objects while the bottom part corrects the near-vision.

Why Go For Photochromic Bifocal Lenses?

If you choose photochromic bifocal lenses -

• You do not have to carry along with you, a separate pair of eyeglasses with bifocal lenses
• You can easily read a book when indoors and do not need to take them off when stepping out
• When you are under the sun, they protect your eyes from bright light and UV rays, allowing you to read and view clearly at the same time

How Do Progressive Lenses Work?

Progressive lenses are technologically advanced lenses that are also known as no-bifocals. Because, they encompass a graduated range of vision varying from a distant zone to intermediate and near zone, enabling a person to view far and near objects and everything in between. They are costly as compared to bifocals but they eliminate the lines that are visible in bifocal lenses, ensuring a seamless view.  

People suffering from Myopia or near-sightedness, may benefit from this type of lenses. Because, in this condition, you can view closer objects clearly but those that are at a distance will appear blurry. Hence, progressive lenses are perfect for correcting different areas of vision and reduce the chances of headache and eyestrain caused by computer use and squinting.

Why Go For Photochromic Progressive Lenses?

If you choose photochromic progressive lenses -

• They offer a younger looking appearance
• Provide 100% protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays
• They give you a comfortable and continuous field of vision with reduced distortion
• They eliminate the use of reading glasses because they have the power to correct all areas of vision
• Eliminate the problem of image jump
• Reduce the chances of eyestrain

Which One to Choose?

Before choosing between bifocal lenses and progressive lenses, you should analyse your daily activities. If you are someone who works on a computer, you should opt for progressive as the distance of your eyes from your computer screen falls under the intermediate zone which only progressives can offer. If you read a lot, then bifocals are a good choice.