Progressive lenses are one of the best solutions for people who need correction at multiple distances — near, intermediate and far — all in a single pair of glasses. But adapting to them takes a little patience and the right guidance.

If you're about to try progressives for the first time, or if you've struggled with them before, this guide will help.

How do progressive lenses work?

Unlike bifocals (which have a visible line), progressive lenses blend three zones seamlessly:

• Top zone: distance vision (driving, walking, cinema)
• Middle zone: intermediate vision (computer, cooking, conversations)
• Bottom zone: near vision (reading, phone, detailed work)

The transition between zones is gradual, which is why they're called "progressive". Your brain needs a few days to learn how to use each zone naturally.

The adaptation period: what to expect

Most people adapt within 5–10 days of consistent use. During this period you may notice:

• A slight "swimming" sensation when turning your head quickly
• Needing to move your head (not just your eyes) to find the right zone
• Peripheral blur on the edges — this is normal and you'll stop noticing it

Common mistakes that slow adaptation

1. Only wearing them occasionally

This is the number one mistake. If you put them on only for reading and take them off the rest of the day, your brain never gets the consistent signal it needs to adapt. Wear them all day.

2. Moving only your eyes instead of your head

With progressives, you need to develop a habit of gentle head movements to find the right zone. Looking down with your eyes alone may land you in the wrong part of the lens.

3. Keeping an outdated prescription

If your prescription has changed since the lenses were made, the zones won't work correctly and you'll feel discomfort. Always get a current exam before ordering progressives.

4. Poor lens centering

This is a technical issue — if the optical centres aren't perfectly aligned with your pupils, the sweet spots will be in the wrong place. This is why professional fitting matters enormously.

Tips for a smooth transition

1. Wear them from morning to night during the first week.
2. Point your nose at what you want to see — let your head guide your vision.
3. When going down stairs, tilt your head slightly downward to use the distance zone.
4. At the computer, adjust your screen height so you look through the middle zone naturally.
5. Be patient — day 3 is usually the hardest, but it gets much better from day 5.

Frequently asked questions

Why quality matters with progressives

Not all progressive lenses are the same. Budget designs have narrower useful zones and more peripheral distortion. Premium designs offer wider corridors, smoother transitions and better comfort — especially for complex prescriptions.

At Óptica Francés, we take precise measurements, select the best design for your needs and monitor your adaptation closely. We don't just sell you lenses — we make sure they work perfectly for you.

Ready to try progressives or struggling with your current ones? Book a consultation and we'll find the right solution for your vision.