The progressive lens is a multifocal lens that is the most accommodating multi-distance vision for presbyopia patients. The first progressive lens was introduced in 1959 by Bernard Maitenaz. As the name "progressive" indicates, the progressive lens progresses an RX prescription from a near prescription leading to the distance prescription including every prescription in between. Cosmetically speaking, progressive lenses are the most aesthetically pleasing multifocal lens by making the progression of prescriptions virtually seamless and showing no immediate evidence of multi prescriptions on the lens to an onlooker.
The progressive lens has a visual field anatomy of an hour glass (see image below). The two dominant prescriptions (distance and near) have a wider field of view. The progression in between has a narrow field of view leaving a peripheral distortion.
There are premium progressive lenses to help minimize peripheral distortion. Wave front technology was introduced to spectacle lenses as a way to minimize overall distortion. Wavefront is commonly used as a diognosis of the eyes Freeform progressives have also been introduced as a new technology. By placing the ADD power and entire prescription on the back of the lens freeform lenses claim to eliminate front curve distortion. By eliminating front curve distortion the freeform design considerably increases all visual fields of view including the intermediate, hence minimizing peripheral distortion.
Below are some pros and cons for progressive lenses and a list of some of the leading manufactures along with a link and there respective progressive designs.
Augen Optics was founded by Dr. Antonio Machado over 20 years ago as a small optical laboratory producing plastic lenses in Mexico. Today, Augen is an international eyeglass lens manufacturer with comprehensive R&D, manufacturing and processing capabilities and a full line of proprietary More..
For more than 160 years, Essilor has strived to offer wearers the benefits of its innovation. Essilor was created from Essel and Silor, the two companies that dominated the French optical eyewear market in the mid-20th century. The new company inherited a priceless tradition . More..
HOYA Vision Care of the Americas makes and supplies ophthalmic lenses to Eye Care Professionals located within the United States, Canada, and South American countries. HOYA supplies a complete range of high quality lens designs, coatings and materials. More..
The reliability of the Nikon brand is based on high-level technological power and R&D activities that have been ongoing since the company's establishment in 1917. Here we highlight Nikon technologies from various perspectives, such as research and development, the people involved in R&D More..
Founded in 1972, Shamir Optical Industry Ltd is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality progressive lenses and molds. Famous for its Innovation, Technological Sophistication and rigorous Quality Assurance practices, Shamir is known for its quick response to changing More..
It all began more than 50 years ago with one man's vision to create a bifocal that wouldn't give away the wearer's age with its telltale lines. This desire led Irving Rips to develop the world's first "seamless bifocal", which was launched in 1955. Younger Optics - so named because the new lenses More..
Premium eyeglass lenses from Carl Zeiss are the result of more than 150 years of advanced research, innovation and German technology. For decades, the world's scientists, doctors, researchers and engineers have relied on precision perfect optics from Carl Zeiss. From surgical More..
