Premium vs Deluxe Progressive Lenses: Which Ones Are Best for You?
If you’re in the market for eyeglasses and need vision correction for both near, intermediate and far distances, progressive lenses might be the perfect solution for you.
Maybe you’d already settled on getting a pair, but now you find yourself faced with a choice among them, premium or deluxe?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between premium and deluxe progressive lenses and help you determine which option is best for your unique needs.
What are progressive lenses?
Progressive lenses, also known as varifocal or multifocal lenses, are a remarkable advancement in eyewear technology that contain three different prescriptions.
They offer a seamless transition from distance vision to intermediate and near vision without the visible line found in traditional bifocals.
Each progressive lens has three distinct viewing areas. You look through the top part for distance vision, the middle for intermediate vision, and the bottom of the lens when you need to see something up close.
These variable focus lenses offer a smooth and natural transition between distance vision, intermediate vision (such as computer screens), and near vision, providing clear and comfortable vision at all distances.
Progressive lenses cater particularly well to individuals with presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition. Presbyopia affects our ability to focus on close objects as we get older, making it challenging to read or perform other tasks that require near vision.
Progressives are a popular choice for those who develop presbyopia on top of existing vision impairments, as they eliminate the need to carry two pairs of glasses and switch between them throughout the day.
Premium progressive lenses
Premium progressive lenses are our entry level range of progressives, with four lens index options available at various price points. These lenses have a design that provides clear vision at a distance, intermediate range, and up-close.
The most standard progressive lenses in the collection come with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings, two features that are also found in the options higher up the scale. The “comfort” version has added UV 400 protection.
The two options on the upper end of the premium scale also have UV400, as well as superhydrophobic coating and an aspheric shape. This shape makes them thinner and lighter than other versions, with 1.67 and 1.74 index versions available.
Deluxe progressive lenses
Deluxe progressive lenses are a step up from our premium options, offering a superior visual experience. These lenses are tailored to meet your unique vision needs and preferences, providing several advantages.
There are three options available within the deluxe range. All three of them have the features of the most complete option from the premium range, but are equipped with even more add-ons on top.
Impact X protection comes as standard on all three deluxe options. This impact-resistant coating reinforces the lenses, so they can handle more adventurous lifestyles and are more forgiving when the odd mishap occurs.
Deluxe progressive lenses differ from their premium counterparts the most in one key aspect. Their viewing area is 30% wider than that of premium lenses.
This provides greater comfort, especially for near and intermediate vision, as these zones are enlarged the most noticeably.
This extra space maximizes the smooth transition when switching from one viewing area to the next, and can reduce visual fatigue and peripheral distortion while wearing your glasses.
DID YOU KNOW?
French engineer Bernard Maitenaz invented the first progressive lens in 1959.
Which ones are best for you?
The choice between premium and deluxe progressive lenses ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
If any of the following criteria apply to you, premium progressives may be the best option:
- You have a limited budget and want a functional solution.
- You are new to progressive lenses and want to try them out.
- Your prescription is relatively simple, and you don’t have specific visual demands.
On the other hand, you may have greater or more specific demands from your progressive glasses. The following factors might make deluxe lenses the most suitable choice for you:
- You value visual clarity and comfort above all else.
- You want the most natural vision possible from your lenses.
- You have a complex prescription or specific visual needs.
- You want a sleek and aesthetically pleasing pair of eyeglasses.
Ultimately, your optometrist or eyewear specialist can provide invaluable guidance in selecting the right progressive lenses for your unique situation.
They can assess your prescription, visual habits, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable option, ensuring you enjoy clear and comfortable vision at all distances.
Both premium and deluxe progressive lenses have their merits, but deluxe options offer a superior visual experience, especially for those with complex prescriptions or specific visual demands.
Investing in your visual comfort and clarity can significantly enhance your quality of life and overall satisfaction with your eyewear. If you’d like an expert’s opinion on choosing the right progressive lenses for you, you can ask our opticians.
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