Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (2024)

Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (1)

Refractive errors are no cakewalk, especially if you go too long without glasses. And if you have presbyopia, a condition that affects aging eyes, the right vision correction is even more essential.

Fortunately, people now have more options than ever to treat presbyopia and other eye conditions. You can ask your eye doctor for bifocals, trifocals, or even line-free progressive lenses (also known as progressive addition lenses or PALs).

If you’re a first-time progressive lens’ wearer, you may be wondering, ‘Are bigger lenses better for progressive lenses?’ Today, we’re going to explain everything you should know about this type of eyewear, including the minimum fitting height for progressive lenses.

Let’s get started.

What is the best lens height for progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses feature three prescriptions (near to distance), and as you look through different parts of the lenses, the prescription changes in power. With this type of eyewear, it’s essential to ensure your lenses fit your eyes and face.

The minimum fitting height for progressive lenses is 28-30mm. This will allow proper room in each part of the lens so that you can see your best, whether you’re driving or using your computer. If your lenses aren’t at least 28mm tall, you risk limiting your near vision at the bottom of the lenses, which defeats the purpose of these glasses.

To ensure your progressive lenses fit, your optometrist may:

  • Test your vision at a distance of 20 feet.
  • Ask you to move your head, eyes, or chin in different positions until your vision clears up.

These steps will indicate whether your lenses (and frames) are the right size, making for better vision. If you’re wondering why your progressive lenses are blurry at specific parts, such as on the sides, the eye specialist can adjust your eyewear further until you get the right fit (at no extra cost to you--ever).

Are bigger lenses better for progressive lenses?

For many years, large frames and lenses were the only options for progressive eyewear. After all, you need enough room to see well through each part of the lens--and big eyewear seemed like the way to go.

However, small frames can be challenging since they intercept the bottom of the lenses, which impacts your near vision (or your ability to read). So, when asking yourself if bigger lenses are better for progressive lenses, know that you’re on the right track. Small frames are an option, but it’s best to stick with larger lenses.

This is important because some lenses aren’t suitable for small frames. For instance, standard progressive lenses require large frames, whereas short-corridor progressive lenses are perfect for smaller eyewear.

The key to finding the best lens type is to have an eye exam and ask your eye doctor what they recommend. Based on your prescription, they may suggest specific types of progressive lenses--or frames--to help you make the most of your vision.

Summary: What size of progressive lenses should you get?

To have the best success with your new eyewear, you should opt for lenses that are large enough to accommodate three fields of view (from near to far). If you’re still wondering, ‘Are bigger lenses better for progressive lenses?’, the answer is yes.

Here’s why:

  • Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription.
  • Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you’ll need bigger lenses to go with them.

Progressive lenses are a fantastic eyewear choice for daily use. Transition to this type of lens, and say hello to clear, crisp vision.

Shop at For Eyes for your next pair of glasses

Show off your unique style and browse our wide variety of frames from your favorite brands for men, women and kids. Stop by your local For Eyes or order online at your convenience.

Shop Eyeglasses

Related Posts

  1. Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (2) Hyperopia vs. Presbyopia: What Is the Difference? At some period in your life, you may get a refractive error. You might even end up having hyperopia and presbyopia at the same time. The symptoms of these two eye issues are similar, often involving problems with near vision.So, what is the differe
  2. Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (3) Is There a Treatment for Presbyopia? If you experience any presbyopia symptoms, such as near vision difficulties, we recommend contacting a nearby eye doctor right away for an appointment. In general, our optometrists recommend contacts, multifocal glasses, or reading glasses to get you
  3. Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (4) Will My Child Outgrow Farsightedness?
  4. Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (5) What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen? For the most part, astigmatism stays the same or changes gradually from one eye appointment to the next. But like other eye issues, your vision can change with time--and sometimes for no obvious reason.What causes astigmatism to worsen? It de
Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes (2024)

FAQs

Are Bigger Lenses Better for Progressive Lenses? | For Eyes? ›

Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.

What size lens is best for progressive? ›

“The ideal lens height or frame depth that's required to experience clear and comfortable vision is at least 28mm,” Chua says. Here's, how to find frames with the ideal lens height for your progressive lenses: Shop our selection of progressive eligible frames (with a minimum lens height of 28 mm)

What type of frames are best for progressive lenses? ›

A frame with a shallow lens area may not provide enough space for the progressive lens to transition smoothly, resulting in distorted vision. It is best to choose a frame with a deeper lens area, such as a square or round shape.

What are the important measurements for progressive lenses? ›

The accurate segment height values for progressive lenses can vary based on individual factors such as the position of the eyes, the frame style, and the near vision requirements. However, typically the segment height measurement for progressive lenses falls in the range of 15mm to 25mm.

Is there a difference in quality of progressive lenses? ›

There are two types of progressive lenses, standard and premium. While one is as the name implies standard, the other is really your best option. That's because premium progressive lenses are customized to your eyes and offer a wider viewing area than standard ones.

Should progressive lenses be bigger? ›

Progressive lenses should be 28-30mm tall. If your frames are too small, your lenses might not give you the proper coverage for all three fields of view. That can inhibit your near vision, making it difficult to read or see things that are close to your face.

Do larger frames help with progressive lenses? ›

3 : A Seamless Transition: A larger frame height can also provide a smoother transition between the different prescription zones in your progressive lenses, improving your visual experience and adaptation.

Does size of the lens matter in progressive lenses? ›

Progressive Lenses

Progressive, no-line bi-focal, lenses need to have an absolute minimum of 28mm height, but here again we recommend at least 32mm or higher lens for a more comfortable viewing area.

What's one of the most significant issues with progressive lenses? ›

The Main Issues With Progressive Lenses
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Headache.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Distorted peripheral vision.
Feb 21, 2019

What progressive lens has the widest reading area? ›

Shamir Spectrum+ features a wider reading area and corridor, when compared to standard progressive lenses, to provide patients with more comfortable visual zones.

How big should my lenses be? ›

To determine which lens size is right for you, know that a small lens width is 50 mm or less, medium is between 51 mm and 54 mm, and large is any lens wider than 55 mm. Your eyes should be centered within your lenses.

How do I know if my progressive lenses are correct? ›

Progressive lenses are correct if you can clearly see distant objects through the tops of the lenses and nearby objects through the bottoms.

Should progressive lenses have numbers on them? ›

For the most part, yes. The markings are there for the optician or laboratory to be able to identify the major fitting reference points on the lenses so that they can be placed in the frame properly.

Are expensive progressive lenses worth it? ›

If you have a simple prescription and are looking for an affordable option, standard progressive lenses may be the best choice for you. However, if you have a more complex prescription or are looking for a more customized and comfortable experience, premium progressive lenses may be worth the extra cost.

What are high end progressive lenses? ›

Premium progressive lenses are designed to provide a wider and smoother view. These lenses are highly customizable for your prescription, chosen frame, and eye anatomy. Premium progressive lenses typically incorporate your dominant eye into the design.

What are the 3 types of progressive lenses? ›

What are the Different Types of Progressive Lenses?
  • Standard Progressive Lenses. Standard progressive lenses are a universal type and will work for most people. ...
  • Short Corridor Progressive Lenses. ...
  • Computer Progressive Lenses. ...
  • Premium Progressive Lenses. ...
  • Ground-View Progressive Lenses. ...
  • Transitions Progressive Lenses.
Jan 5, 2023

Are bigger glasses better for your eyes? ›

The large-size glasses would slip from the nose easily for it is much heavier than normal myopia eyeglass frames, which would cause the focus deviation from the optical center of the lens pupil. Once the power changes, the things you see would become blurred. If this condition continues, the vision would become worse.

What is the difference between 1.50 and 1.57 basic progressive lenses? ›

Mid-index lenses strike a balance between thickness and affordability, making them suitable for a wider range of prescriptions. With a refractive index of 1.57, these lenses are up to 15% thinner than 1.50 standard index lenses, providing improved aesthetics and comfort.

What's the best way to adjust to progressive lenses? ›

Once you've been issued your pair, wear them immediately and continuously throughout the day. If you change progressive lenses, do not put your old pair back on. Remember to place the objects you are looking at facing you or point your nose in their direction.

What is the difference between 1.50 and 1.57 progressive lenses? ›

The 1.57 mid index lenses are meant for people with moderately strong prescriptions, and they are thinner and lighter than standard lenses. The lens is a polycarbonate composite made from polycarbonate, other polymers, and resins that keep it thinner and lighter than the standard 1.50 lens.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 6306

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.