Most people start using reading glasses at some point in their 40s, and those who already need glasses for nearsightedness often seek out options that combine both prescriptions in one. Progressive lenses are a common choice, but they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Some people struggle with adaptation, others experience peripheral distortion, and cost can also be a concern.
The good news is that progressives aren’t your only option. RX-Safety proudly offers multiple great alternative options to progressive lenses, all at great prices. No matter your needs, there’s a lens style out there that will fit your eyes perfectly.
Round segment blended bifocal lenses feature a smooth, rounded near vision segment located in the lower inner corner of each lens. At RX-Safety, these are our popular Blended 28 and 24 lenses. Unlike traditional lined bifocals, the segment line is softened, making it appear more subtle and giving the lenses a look closer to progressives. Many wearers find these lenses easier to adapt to than progressives, in part because the reading segment is relatively small.
That said, the near-vision area in blended bifocals is smaller than what you’d find in other bifocal or trifocal designs. If your work or hobbies involve extended close-up tasks, such as reading, crafting, or technical work, you may find the limited field of view restrictive. Some may also want a clearer demarcation between the near and distance vision segments. If that’s you, explore our other choices on this list.
When it comes to traditional bifocal vs. progressive lenses, many of our customers find lined bifocals to be the simpler, more reliable option.
Designs like our Flat Top 28 and 35 models feature a large, semi-circular near-vision segment within the larger distance-viewing lenses. The visible line between the two zones makes it easy to know exactly where to look for each prescription, which shortens the learning curve for new wearers. These lenses are also widely available, so they’re easy to replace. If you do a fair amount of reading, whether for work or for pleasure, these may be perfect for you.
However, not everyone finds the abrupt shift in prescriptions easy to navigate. If that’s a concern, or if you prefer a less noticeable line, you may opt for the blended bifocals.
Lined trifocals, as the name suggests, feature three sections for near, intermediate, and far distances. If you lead a busy life that involves a lot of driving, cooking, or computer use in addition to close-up work, you may appreciate the flexibility offered by the extra segment. Our most popular styles are the 7×28 and 8×35, though we offer several others.
However, some find trifocal glasses tricky to use, and learning to see through the three segments in trifocal lenses takes a little time and patience. Some wearers also find the additional visible lines cosmetically unappealing. If that’s you, consider bifocals instead.
Executive bifocal lenses feature a classic design that divides the entire lens horizontally, with distance vision on top and reading vision on the bottom. If you’re a big reader or spend a lot of time crafting, you’ll appreciate the large reading section with a fuller field of vision.
However, executive bifocal glasses aren’t for everyone. Due to the near-vision section spanning the full lens width, these lenses are often thicker and heavier than other designs. They also have a bold, visible line that some may consider old-fashioned. These glasses also offer limited intermediate correction, which can make adjusting to activities like driving more difficult. If any of those are concerns for you, consider bifocals with a smaller reading segment.
No one lens is perfect for everyone. The best alternatives to progressive lenses for you depend on your job, hobbies, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
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For instance, if you prefer a subtle line on your bifocals, you may want round segment blended bifocals. If you work at a computer all day and enjoy relaxing at home with a good book, trifocals offer good flexibility. If you’re a big-time knitter, you may love the large near-vision section executive bifocals offer.
Progressive lenses are not your only choice when it comes to bifocals. Consulting with an optician can help you choose the prescription lenses that fit your comfort, lifestyle, and budget needs.
No matter which lens you choose, you’ll find a wide selection of alternative options to progressive lenses at RX-Safety. We offer a wide variety of accessories and glasses frames, and you can further customize your lenses with scratch-resistant, blue light-blocking, and anti-reflective coatings available on most lenses. If you’re looking for a progressive lens alternative, shop our selection today!
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