In order to cater different visual needs in a metropolitan life, it is essential to have clear sight at distances from far to near. When entering 40 years old, the presence of presbyopia compromises patients’ reading vision. However, thanks to the progressive lenses, lens wearers can wear the same pair of glasses to focus at objects at different distances to maintain their quality of life.
The modern progressive lens design has been adopted for over 50 years and most of the progressive lens wearers know how to use them for far and near vision: Basically look straight for far sight, while eyes looking down for near sight through the lower portion of the lenses. Nevertheless, as we have entered the digital era, there are also changes on the near visual demand of the progressive lens wearers – wearers change from reading newspaper and writing to using smartphones and tablets. While lens wearers are using smartphones and tablets, they use a different posture when compared to reading and writing, such as at a closer distance and holding the electronic devices higher than the printings. Moreover, as information spread instantly in the digital world, lens wearers would like to have immediately focused reading sight rather than spending time and effort to focus and look deeply down at the lens. These all put challenges on the progressive lenses which are originally designed for reading and writing.
Because of the change of near visual demand, lens manufacturer in the market improves their progressive lens designs to cater the usage of electronic devices. Lens manufacturer makes use of the ‘Instant Focus’ technology to suit the posture of lens wearers when using digital devices, so that they can instantly focus at the screen without spending too long searching for the clear spot and looking deep to the bottom of the lens. These newly designed progressive lenses can be made with the anti-blue-ray coating also to further protect eyes for the users of digital devices.
However, the prescription and eye health can be changed over time. Improper reading habit can also result in eye strain and blurred vision. Therefore, optometrists suggested everyone should receive comprehensive eye examination at least once a year to ensure the eyes are in good conditions.
By Jeff Tang, Registered (Part I) Optometrist
Eyecare information by Swisscoat Vision Centre
Address : G/F Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Appointment :+852 3579 4763
Website : www.swisscoat.com