Bifocal vs. Progressive Lenses: Which is Better?

Throughout life, a person’s eyesight can easily be affected by a combination of things. Growing up, some may be farsighted, nearsighted, as well as have astigmatism. Even if a person is none of these things, eventually everyone enters a stage of life that is afflicted by presbyopia, which is a normal part of aging where your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close. 

According to the Vision Council of America, up to 75% of adults will need some sort of vision correction at some point in their lifetime. Due to presbyopia, one will end up needing bifocals or progressive lenses as they age in order to get the most out of their vision without needing to carry around multiple pairs of glasses.  

When it comes to choosing between bifocals and progressive lenses for reading glasses, the difference between them is quite substantial. 

Bifocal vs. Progressive Lenses 

Many older adults are comfortable and confident in their daily activities despite the onset of presbyopia. Both bifocal and progressive lenses provide you with a single lens to accommodate multiple prescription needs. Although both lenses have their respective benefits, they work in different ways. It is important to compare your lifestyle with what lens options are best for you before selecting an eyeglass prescription.  

Bifocal Lenses 

Bifocals provide a clear distinction between near and far vision prescription within the lens. They are ideal should you require multiple areas of Rx in your daily life. This lens type may maximize both ease and convenience while driving, reading, or performing other activities that require both distance vision and close-up vision simultaneously. 

• Two fields of vision (typically, one for near vision and one for distance) 
• Has a distinct line between lens fields 
• May cause difficulty in reading a computer screen and potentially cause digital eye stain 
• More affordable in comparison to progressive lenses 

Progressive Lenses 

Progressive lenses are the newest lens innovation, allowing you to see different fields of vision depending on where your eyes look through the lens. These lenses typically have different prescriptions in one – an area for distance vision, for medium distance (like the computer screen), and for closeup vision, (such as when you’re reading). A person needs only to train their eyes to look through the correct part of the lens to take advantage of clarity at all viewing ranges. 

• Clear vision at all distances 
• No distinct line; seamless lens transition 

• An option for patients with astigmatism 
• More expensive in comparison to standard bifocals 

Bifocal vs. Progressive Lenses: Which One is for You? 

Selecting the right eyeglasses lenses for your unique needs and lifestyle is key. Both bifocals and progressive lenses can give you a wide range of vision, helping you see more clearly. A few things to consider when making the ultimate decision:  

• Do you work outdoors or require precision vision? 
• Will your glasses be worn outdoors for recreational activities? 
• Do you primarily work at a computer for prolonged periods of time? 
• How many screens do you use at your workstation? 
• Will you be wearing your glasses for long periods of time? 
• Are you concerned with the aesthetics of the lens (the visible lens line)? 
• What is your budget? 

Do you have a question about your vision? We’re here to help! No matter what brings you into our office, we want you to know that we will do our best to make sure your experience is as positive as possible. Call us today and let’s get started! 

More About Primary Care Optometrist Mahsa Masoudi, O.D. 

 Dr. Mahsa Masoudi is a primary care optometrist at Marietta Eye Clinic. In addition to conducting comprehensive eye exams, she diagnoses and treats ocular diseases as well as providing ocular surgery co-management. 

She earned her Doctor of Optometry from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry after attending Portland State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in General Science and graduated magna cum laude. Following optometry school, she completed her residency in Ocular Disease at Omni Eye Services in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Dr. Masoudi serves the Kennestone and East Cobb offices. To learn more about Dr. Masoudi, read her full bio here. 

References and Additional Resources    

https://thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/assets/media/TVC_OrgOverview_sheet_2021.pdf 

Organizational Overview – The Vision Council 

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia 

What Is Presbyopia? 

https://www.eyeconsultants.net/bifocals-progressive-lenses-faqs.htm 

Everything You Need to Know About Bifocals & Progressive Lenses 

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/pros-cons-progressive-lenses-computer-glasses 

Pros and Cons of Progressive Lenses