Progressive Lenses vs Bifocals: Pros, Cons and How to Choose

Progressive lenses and bifocals both correct presbyopia, the gradual loss of close-up focus that usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s. A bifocal has two prescriptions in one lens, with a visible segment for reading and no zone set aside for the middle distance in between. A progressive lens has no line. Its power changes gradually, which keeps vision clear from far away down to reading distance, including the arm's-length range of a computer screen. Progressives take some getting used to. Which one suits you depends mostly on how much of your day happens at arm's length.

Key takeaways

Pick progressives if part of your day is at arm's length, like a computer screen, and bifocals if you mostly switch between distance and close reading.
A bifocal has a visible line between two powers and no zone for the middle distance, while a progressive changes power gradually with no line.
Progressives take some getting used to, and if a new pair still feels wrong, have the fit checked before giving up on them.
Loss of close-up focus builds over several years, and sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, even if it comes back, means calling 911.

What's the difference between progressive lenses and bifocals?

The difference is how each lens gets from your distance power to your reading power. A bifocal makes the change in one step, at a visible line. A progressive lens makes it gradually, with no line. Its technical name is progressive addition lens.

Bifocals have a distance zone and a reading segment but nothing set for the middle distance; trifocals add a third segment for it. Progressives give continuous clear vision from distance to reading range. A computer screen, about 20 to 30 inches from your eyes, sits in that middle range.

Feature	Bifocals	Progressive lenses
Visible line on the lens	Yes	No
Clear distance and reading vision	Yes	Yes
Clear vision at arm's length, such as a computer screen	No zone set for it	Yes

Should you choose progressives or bifocals?

Choose progressives if part of your day happens at arm's length, and bifocals if you mostly switch between distance and close reading.

Screen work: progressives cover the arm's-length range that bifocals have no zone for.
Years in lined bifocals: a switch is worth trying. In a 1995 trial, 265 people who wore lined multifocal lenses such as bifocals were prescribed progressive lenses and interviewed again, and 92 percent of the patients preferred the progressives.
Mostly distance and reading, with little screen time: bifocals handle both.
Glasses only part of the time: multifocal contact lenses are another route, and so is monovision, in which one eye wears a contact lens for near or intermediate vision and, if needed, the other wears a lens for distance.

How long does it take to adjust to progressive lenses?

It varies from person to person. Most people with presbyopia adapt to progressive lenses, though some don't.

If a new pair still feels wrong, have the fit checked before you give up on progressives. They depend on precise measurements of your eyes and frame, and measuring differences can throw off where the lens is centered, with a large effect on a progressive prescription.

Are bifocals and progressives safe on stairs and when walking?

They can make steps and curbs harder to judge. In its fall prevention advice for older adults, the CDC notes that bifocal and progressive lenses sometimes make things seem closer or farther away than they really are.

For that reason, the CDC suggests that older adults with bifocal or progressive lenses consider a separate pair with only their distance prescription for outdoor activities such as walking. The same advice includes an eye exam at least once a year, with glasses updated when needed.

Are progressive lenses good for computer work?

They work at a computer, though long desk days can call for a different design. Everyday progressives give clear vision from distance to near. Office progressives, also called computer progressives, give a wider zone of clear vision at the monitor and for reading, but no clear distance vision. They're generally not suitable for driving.

When 23 people with presbyopia tried both kinds in a study of office progressives, they rated vision at the monitor better with the computer lenses and tilted their heads 2.3 degrees less to see the screen. Distance vision was better with the everyday progressives, and in the end about half of the group preferred each type.

If screens fill most of your day, ask about a separate desk pair at your exam. Our computer vision syndrome page covers the other causes of screen strain we look for.

How often will you need new lenses?

More often in your 40s and 50s, then less often from about 60. The American Optometric Association notes that people in this age range may need to change their glasses or contact lens prescriptions more frequently than before, and that these near-vision changes should stop around age 60.

The National Eye Institute gives a slightly later age: presbyopia usually stops getting worse after 65. Our presbyopia guide explains why the lens stiffens.

Keep up with exams either way. The AOA recommends a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years in your 40s and 50s if you have no symptoms or risk factors, and at least once a year if you're at risk, then every year after age 60.

For most adults, we recommend a yearly comprehensive eye exam.

When is blurry vision not presbyopia?

When it comes on suddenly. Presbyopia can seem to arrive overnight, but the loss of near focus builds over several years.

Call 911 for sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, even if it comes back, for sudden double vision, or for any change in vision that comes with a drooping face, arm weakness or trouble speaking. These can be signs of a stroke, so call even if the symptoms go away.

A dark curtain or shadow over part of your vision, new flashes of light or a sudden shower of new floaters can be signs of a retinal detachment and need an exam right away. During office hours, call us immediately for a same-day urgent eye care visit; when the office is closed, go to an emergency room.

Sudden blur that doesn't clear needs an emergency room; if it clears right away, call us and come in for an exam. For any other sudden change in your vision, call us for a same-day visit, or go to an emergency room when the office is closed.

How we fit progressive lenses at Cohenmehr Optometry

It starts with a comprehensive eye exam. We refine your distance and near prescriptions, then check how your two eyes focus and work together as a team.

Your prescription then goes to the optical at Cohenmehr Optometry, where opticians help you choose a frame that suits your features and lifestyle. Progressives need precise centering, so we measure your pupillary distance and the lens height for the frame you pick.

Adjustments are handled in the same optical where your glasses were made, so a new pair that doesn't feel right can come back to us for adjustments. If you'd rather not wear glasses all day, we also fit multifocal contact lenses. Frame brands and the contact lenses we fit are on our glasses and contact lenses page.

Questions patients ask

Can you get progressive lenses in polarized sunglasses?

Yes. Our optical builds sunglasses in your exact prescription, polarized lenses included, so a progressive prescription can go into a pair of sunglasses. Polarization cuts glare, but UV protection is a separate feature: choose lenses that block at least 99% of UV rays, since everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun year-round.

Can cataracts change your glasses prescription?

They can. Having to change your glasses or contact lens prescription often is one of the signs of a cataract, along with faded colors, glare from lamps or headlights and halos around lights. Early on, a new prescription can help you see better. If your prescription keeps changing after about 60, when presbyopia changes usually slow down, mention it at your exam.

Can you wear progressive lenses all the time?

Yes. Progressive lenses correct distance as well as near vision, so you can keep one pair on all day instead of swapping glasses. The American Optometric Association notes that some people with presbyopia only need glasses for close work but find that wearing them all the time is more convenient and helpful. Some people still keep a second pair for long computer sessions or for walking outdoors.

Can your eyesight improve once you need bifocals?

Your close-up focus won't come back on its own. Presbyopia can't be prevented or cured, according to the American Optometric Association, because it comes from the lens inside the eye becoming less flexible with age. With the right glasses or contact lenses, though, most people can regain clear, comfortable near vision for their daily needs.

Sources

Written by

Dr. Bijan Cohenmehr, OD

Founder of Cohenmehr Optometry, in practice for over 40 years. He leads the practice’s dry eye care and myopia management. A graduate of SUNY College of Optometry.

About Dr. Bijan →

Progressive Lenses vs Bifocals: Which Should You Choose?