Multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses, such as progressives, offer vision correction for multiple distances, so you don't always have to switch glasses for different tasks. If you see a number in the ADD section of your prescription, you require multiple prescriptions to help you see at different distances (near, intermediate, and far). One pair of multifocal progressive lenses will support all your routine activities, such as working, reading, driving, watching TV, and walking.

Types of multifocal lenses
Bifocals vs progressives
Standard vs premium progressives
Frequently asked questions

Lens options if you have an ADD power

ADD power is required to correct presbyopia, which typically begins to affect people in their 40s. People with presbyopia struggle to focus on near objects, which can make it difficult to see things at arm’s length (like a book or phone) and see objects that are further away at the same time seamlessly. That’s where multifocal lenses come in.

From multifocal glasses lenses to task-specific glasses, there are many lens options that suit your prescription, lifestyle, and budget.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses provide vision correction at near, intermediate, and far distances within one lens (and no visible line). They’re a modern multifocal design, with a smooth transition between distance vision in the top portion of your glasses, intermediate vision in the middle of the lens, and reading vision at the bottom portion. Progressive lenses do have peripheral distortion.

Premium progressive lenses

Premium progressive lenses are the most advanced type of multifocal lens, with near, intermediate, and far distance correction, 30% wider field of vision, smooth visual transition, and no visible line on the lens. They have less peripheral distortion, compared to other multifocal lenses.

Bifocal lenses

Bifocals are the traditional type of multifocal correction, with a visible line across the surface of the lens that divides two prescriptions, which provide near and far vision correction. The bottom part of the lens (the near prescription) is usually a semi-circle shape. Bifocals do not provide intermediate vision correction.

	Bifocals	Progressives
Distance Vision	✓	✓
Middle Vision	-	✓
Near Vision	✓	✓
Benefits	Requires shorter adaptation period. Covers near and far vision. Wide field of up-close vision.	Includes intermediate (arm’s length) range for short periods in front of your computer screen. Near vision is viewable in the lower portion of the lens. Seamless and smooth transition when you switch focus between near, far, and middle, and vice versa. No one can tell you’re wearing multifocal lenses.
Drawbacks	Noticeable line in the middle of the lens. Absence of intermediate vision. May experience “image jump” when you switch focus from near to far and vice versa.	Requires a slightly longer adaptation period. Some distortion at the right and left of the lens. Try our premium progressives for less distortion. Not suitable for longer periods of visual activity at intermediate distances. If you spend more time at intermediate working distance such as your desk or computer, consider a secondary, task-specific pair suited to that working distance.

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	Standard Progressives	Premium Progressives
Product highlight	Standard Progressives correct near, intermediate, and far vision needs. The best vision is found in the central corridor of the lens, with the periphery displaying slight distortions.	Premium Progressives correct near, intermediate, and far vision needs and offer a wider field of vision with 30% less peripheral distortion compared to Standard Progressives.
Distance Vision	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Middle Vision	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near Vision	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ★

What is ADD power in my glasses prescription?

If you see an ADD power in your glasses prescription, you require more than one measure of vision correction so you can see clearly at different distances. You can either choose to wear progressive lenses, which provide multiple types of vision correction within the same lens, or change glasses depending on whether you’re looking at objects that are near or far away.

What’s the difference between ADD power and reading glasses?

Your “reading power” and the “add power” on your prescription are two different things. The “add power” is the amount of magnification that is added to your distance correction that’s needed for reading up close. The “reading power” is the total corrective strength needed for you to see something clearly at 45 to 55cm. Ask your eye doctor about it on your next visit.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia normally sets in at around age 40. The internal lenses in your eyes become less elastic, making it harder for the muscles in your eyes to pull on these stiffer lenses to focus on nearby things like fine print. This causes images at near distance to appear out of focus.

If you require distance correction when you develop presbyopia, a pair of progressive lenses will provide vision at both near, intermediate, and far distances.

How long does it take to get used to progressive lenses?

Every eye is different and every person is unique. Usually, most people acclimatize to Standard progressive lenses within two weeks of full-time wear. Premium progressive lenses tend to have a shorter adaptation period and are easier to get used to.

Remember, giving yourself time for adaptation is critical. Ideally, you should wear them all day – the more you wear them, the faster your adaptation should be.

When you receive your glasses, ensure they’re adjusted by a professional and then try to wear them as much as possible. If everything is blurry when you put them on, contact us right away. If you put them on and they feel a little weird? Great! That’s normal.

What is segment height? How is it measured?

Segment height is the point at which the magnification begins for intermediate and near vision. It’s measured from the centre of your pupil to the lowest point, where the lenses meet the frame.

Our system dynamically scales the segment height based on the frame you choose to ensure you enjoy the clearest vision for all the things your eyes do during the day.

Learn more about segment height on our blog.

What’s the difference between bifocals and progressives?

The main difference between bifocals and progressives is the comprehensiveness of vision correction they provide and the look of the actual lenses.

Progressives provide vision correction across all ranges of vision, allowing you to see comfortably at near, intermediate, and far distances. They don’t have a visible line and tend to be a more popular option because of convenience and cosmetic appeal.

Bifocal lenses only provide distance and near vision correction, with a visible line on the surface of the lenses that divides the two prescriptions.

Can everyone wear progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses are most often prescribed to people 40 years and older with an “ADD” on their prescription. Your eye contains a natural crystalline lens that is flexible — allowing muscles to control its shape and focus on nearby objects when those muscles pull on it.

As we age, that natural crystalline lens stiffens (just like the rest of our bodies) and becomes less flexible. Around the age of 40, your eye muscles can’t pull hard enough anymore to flex that lens — this is where a progressive lens adds magnification to do some of the work that stiff crystalline lens can’t anymore.

Presbyopia happens to everyone and it’s unavoidable. Signs of presbyopia can manifest as early as 35 years of age. Consult our eye care professional to find out if your eyes are trying to fulfill a mission impossible and giving you a headache in the process!