Multifocal lenses are important for anyone who has presbyopia, they allow you to see objects at different distances without having to have multiple glasses for your vision needs.
Whether you're over 40 and experiencing a natural decline in your vision or looking to switch your focal lenses, Trifocals offers 3 lens powers. At the same time, progressive lenses also have variable powers but with no visible lines.
Our guide below will discuss the differences between these multifocal lenses in more depth as well as which one you should choose and where to find the best glasses for your needs.
Why Do We Need To Know Trifocal & Progressive Lenses?
As we age past our 40s our ability to focus at different distances starts to decline and people start to use multifocal lenses to support their vision needs.
The most common types of multifocal lenses are trifocal and progressive lenses.
Multifocal lenses will help correct your vision at different focal lengths which is important for anyone with Presbyopia (age-related vision decline) or refractive errors in their vision.
Understanding Trifocal Lenses
What Are Trifocal Glasses?
Trifocal lenses provide vision correction at three different powers, distance, intermediate, and near vision, and have distance segments for each vision zone.
Trifocal glasses have visible lines separating each vision zone. They are ideal for people who need a clear vision for computer use (intermediate), reading (near), and distance viewing.
How Do They Work?
These lenses work in this manner, if you lower your gaze intermediate objects will become clearer, if you gaze even lower objects near come into focus and then if you look straight ahead objects in the distance will become clearer.
Understanding Progressive Lenses
What Are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive glasses offer a seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision zones without visible lines. These progressive lens glasses are cosmetically appealing and offer a more natural transition between different focal lengths.
These glasses are often preferred by people who want a wider field of view and a more stylish appearance.
How Do They Work?
Like Trifocals, the bottom part of progressive lenses is for near vision, middle for intermediate correction, and straight ahead for distance. When you change your gaze these lenses adjust gradually and naturally resulting in a comfortable viewing experience.
Are All Progressive Lenses Trifocal?
Since progressive lenses and trifocal glasses offer the same kind of vision correction it can be easy to assume they are the same. They are different though, bifocal lenses and trifocal lenses have two or three different magnification levels which are separated by a visible line.
Progressive lenses on the other hand lack these transition lines so are different.
If you want to learn more about bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses you can check out our blog posts on Bifocal or Progressive lenses and Understanding Their Differences.
Trifocal Vs Progressive Lenses
Aesthetics & Visual Transition
Trifocals have visible lines which makes them less aesthetically pleasing but they do offer a clear visual transition for the user.
Progressive lenses on the other hand have a more natural appearance due to having no transition lines. They do however need a period of adaptation to avoid disorientation when transitioning between focal lengths.
Adaptation Period
Trifocals are easier to adapt to since they have distinct visual segments which can be helpful for users so they can easily adapt. Progressive lenses take longer to get used to as there aren’t any visual cues, however, users often prefer the wider field of view and lack of lines.
Cost & Value
Trifocals are less expensive than progressives making them a better option for people on a budget. Progressives are more costly since their design is more complex, this might be worth the investment though if you want something more stylish and comfortable.
At GlassesShop we offer various low-budget quality glasses such as cheap progressive glasses.
Are Progressive Lenses Worth It?
Progressive lenses are very popular and are often worth the extra money since they don’t have the old-fashioned lines that trifocals and bifocals have.
Your decision should be made considering factors such as your lifestyle, visual needs, and budget when you choose between trifocal and progressive glasses.
Find Your Ideal Glasses At GlassesShop
To find the best lens types for your individual needs it’s best to consult your optician for advice and you can try on different types to see what suits your preference.
GlassesShop has an extensive range of frames such as single vision, reading, bifocal, and progressive lenses with over 1800 types. You can find our progressive glasses online here.
For people on a budget, we run various promotions such as buy one get one free, clearance sales, coupon codes a time-limited 50% off, and a $7 flash sale with an extra $1 off for new customers.
We also have free shipping for orders over $69 and a 365-day guarantee.
