After about 40, most people find reading small print harder. The eye's natural focusing slowly becomes less flexible. If your new prescription has an ADD value, you'll be asked to choose between bifocal and progressive lenses. Here's how they differ.

Bifocal lenses

A bifocal lens has two zones: distance vision on top and a reading segment at the bottom, separated by a visible line.

  • Easy to get used to. Each zone is clearly defined.
  • A wide, clear reading area.
  • No middle zone, so things at arm's length (like a laptop screen) can fall between the two.
  • The line is visible to others.

Progressive lenses

A progressive lens (sometimes called "multifocal" or "no-line bifocal") changes power gradually from distance at the top, through an intermediate zone, to reading at the bottom, with no visible line.

  • Clear vision at every distance: road, laptop and phone.
  • Looks like a regular lens.
  • Takes some getting used to. The edges of the lens are softer, so you learn to turn your head rather than just your eyes.
  • Needs accurate PD and fitting-height measurements.

How long does it take to get used to progressives?

Many people adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks. It helps to wear them full-time rather than switching back and forth, to point your nose at what you want to see, and to look down through the lower part of the lens (by lowering your eyes, not your head) when reading or taking stairs. If things still feel wrong after a couple of weeks, come back to your optician. The fit or the measurements may need checking.

Which should you choose?

  • Progressive: you switch between distances all day (driving, computer, phone) and want a lens that looks like a regular one.
  • Bifocal: you mainly need distance and reading, want the widest reading area, or found progressives hard in the past.
  • Two separate pairs, one for distance and one for reading, is also a perfectly good, budget-friendly option.

Ordering multifocal lenses from EYVRO

Choose any frame from our eyeglasses, then select Bifocal or Progressive in the prescription step and upload or type your prescription, including the ADD. Because these lenses depend on your exact prescription and measurements, we'll confirm the lens price and your PD with you before cutting. If you're over 40 and only need help with reading, see reading glasses.

Need a hand? Talk to us

EYVRO is the online brand of Deepak Opticals, Aligarh (opp. Gandhi Eye Hospital, Ramghat Road). If anything on your prescription or frame is unclear, send us a photo on WhatsApp and our opticians will tell you what they see, or visit the store for an eye test and fitting. You can also read our prescription help page or browse eyeglasses and add your prescription at checkout.