How much do progressive lenses cost? With the onset of the first symptoms of presbyopia, we inevitably start thinking about getting our first glasses with progressive lenses so as to avoid the hassle of having to keep changing glasses (for near and far vision). When first approaching the world of progressive lenses, there are a few factors to consider. One of the first is the fear of not getting used to this new type of lens right away. This is because, very often, if you don’t take account of a series of parameters, which we will discuss below, using a progressive lens can cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, distortions, or nausea. For this reason, opticians recommend immediately switching to the use of progressive lenses as soon as the first signs of presbyopia start to arise.
The smaller the near-view correction, the faster you will adapt.
Another aspect that may be of great concern in this transition is the cost. But before we look at a whole series of factors that can affect the cost of a progressive lens, let’s focus for a moment on the characteristics of this type of lens.
**What is a progressive lens? **
A progressive lens is a corrective lens that integrates 3 corrective powers in a single lens, i.e. a near zone, a distance zone, and an intermediate zone. We can think of the interior portion of a progressive lens as having a sort of “bottleneck” area, known as the progressive corridor, which, depending on the construction parameters of the lens, can be widened or narrowed in all areas of vision.
We can therefore easily see how this type of lens is good for someone with presbyopia, because they will no longer have to change glasses to see up close or far away.
How are progressive lenses made?
The equipment used to construct these lenses uses free-form technology. This technology, which in recent years has replaced the more traditional technique, makes use of an algorithm to recreate the geometry of the lens based on the powers needed and other specific parameters. In the 1980s, a complex mathematical algorithm would take 3 hours to run. Today, with the rise of information technology, the same calculation takes just 3 seconds. When constructing a progressive free-form lens, tiny “mandrels” chisel the lens in 50,000 points in order to optimize its curvature and overall geometry. The more precise the calculation, the more precise the geometry of the lens and the less distortion there will be in the transition between one vision area and another. The algorithm used to construct the lens is derived from special software that differentiates the various types of lenses developed. Here at Divel Italia, we develop the software for our lenses in-house, together with our Research and Development team.
The more sophisticated and innovative the software, the higher the quality of the progressive lens.
This is one of the first factors that affects the cost of a progressive lens: PRODUCTION QUALITY. Most lens manufacturers offer various types of progressive lenses under different names. These progressive lenses differ from one another primarily for the type of geometry and the algorithm used. The more sophisticated the geometry, the more precise the construction of the lens will be, which reduces the aberration zones in the lens. Often, top-of-the-line lenses like our Aliena progressives are the best because they distribute distortions evenly, thereby ensuring visual comfort and versatility of use. This ease of adaptation justifies the higher price.
Nonetheless, it would be wrong to say that the most expensive lens will definitely be the best lens for you.
The quality of the lens, as we’ve said, depends on many factors.
The top-of-the-line lenses certainly represent the maximum technological expression of their category, with the best distribution and homogeneity or corrective power, and are very often designed specifically for the wearer. But a mid-range lens like our A Clear could be a good solution, too, as it represents the ideal compromise for first-time wearers of progressive lenses, because they combine personalized aesthetics with optimal vision in each area.
Or an optimal solution could be a more standard lens, like our Gemini, designed for those who spend many hours at the wheel, so no less functional than a higher-end lens, but designed for a specific use. So, with the help of with your optician, evaluate the characteristics of the lenses available to you. A high-end lens may not be the most suitable for your visual needs, and you may be able to spend a little less for a mid-range lens that is specific to your vision needs. At the same time, sacrificing quality in a lens just to save money may cause problems in adapting to your new pair of glasses.
What else affects the cost of a progressive lens?
CORRECTIVE POWER, of course. If you’ve been wearing glasses for many years, you will have learned a bit about the difference between refractive indices, lens materials, and lens thicknesses. Generally speaking, the higher the refractive index, the more expensive the lens will be, to which we can then add the cost of any added coatings. So if you have a very high corrective power that requires a high refractive index, to avoid distortion, you can already imagine how a progressive lens will cost you more.
A final, but no less important, aspect that influences the cost of a progressive lens is the type of COATING applied.
The more complete the coatings, the more expensive the lens will be.
Between a lens treated with a basic coating and one with more sophisticated coatings there can be up to €200 of difference per pair of lenses.
So how do you choose the right coating?
Based on your lifestyle, discuss with your optician which coating is best for you. For example, if you work in an office, opt for a blue-block coating and avoid high-end scratch-resistance coatings or hardeners. If, on the other hand, you work in a dusty environment, invest in a good anti-static, oil-repellent coating.
To summarize, in order to choose the right progressive lens, you need to consider the following factors: - PRODUCTION QUALITY OF THE PROGRESSIVE LENS (e.g. top-of-the-line, mid-range, or standard) - CORRECTIVE POWER and THICKNESS - COATINGS APPLIED
As a rule of thumb, we could say that, depending on the corrective power and coatings applied, and without considering special promotions (Italian range): - A pair of high-end lenses should cost between €600 and €1,200 - A pair of upper mid-range lenses should cost between €500 and €800 - A pair of mid-range lenses should cost between €300 and €600
Always remember that, to ensure you have a good experience with progressive lenses, it is very important to provide the right parameters for the frame to be used. Rely on your optician, who will determine the various parameters, including vertex distance, wrap angle, frame height, and so on. Also pay attention to the type of frame. Often glasses that are too small can compromise your field of vision, and very wide, shield lenses can increase the areas of distortion. Always turn to an optician you can trust!
The knowledge and experience of your optician are the most important thing, but buying a good pair of progressive lenses with care will certainly change your viewing experience.