One of the most persistent challenges of progressive lenses has been the inherent astigmatism aberrations, which are intrinsic features in the lenses’ surface. A progressive lens always has astigmatism aberration in the periphery, which is perceived by the wearer as blurriness; it also distorts shapes so that straight lines appear twisted or curved. The latter effect may disrupt depth perception, causing a swimming sensation. 

​It’s a fact of modern society that we’re all spending more time in front of digital screens at work, home and play. While handheld devices were the dominant device a few years ago (requiring close viewing at the visual center-line), we’ve evolved our usage to encompass numerous screens simultaneously, including laptops, tablets, TVs, video gaming consoles, and more. A new term was even coined “second screening” to describe this phenomenon, where television watchers use a secondary digital device, such as a smartphone or tablet, at the same time. This multi-screen connectivity poses unique visual challenges for presbyopes.

In designing progressive lenses, it’s important to provide vision correction that simulates the way each eye naturally focuses so that we can enjoy all the benefits of natural binocular vision. In the past, progressive technologies emphasized correct focus for a range of distances only when viewing objects located on the visual midline. EquiBalance Technology expands this capability laterally across the visual field.

Today’s progressive lenses have evolved to feature a myriad of technologies designed to provide presbyopic patients with high performance and value. However, many wearers have continued to experience issues—limited viewing, eyestrain, and physical discomfort—especially with the visual challenges of a digital world.

Over the years, we’ve come to understand the challenges many patients experience when converting to progressive lenses. Earlier this year, we conducted research to determine what their (and your) biggest pain points are with these types of lenses[1]. We listened and we learned.

​It’s time: the moment of truth when your patient tries on their new progressives and you both hold your breath. They look at you, then around the room, then down at the table and move their head around. You hope for a smile, and it comes—success! When they “work” for your patient, it’s a celebration, a true awakening with high fives all around. Chances are, they’ve just slipped on a new pair of Unity® Via Progressive Lenses.

​This was a finalist in the Unity Via Victories contest. Voting ended on December 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. pacific time.

​This was a finalist in the Unity Via Victories contest. Voting ended on December 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. pacific time.

It's not common, but some victories come easy. Office Manager Charla Thrash explains how the simplicity of Unity Via Progressive Lenses have streamlined new hire training while ensuring exceptional patient satisfaction at Freestone Optometric Center in Rialto, California. 

​Summer is the season for re-energizing our outdoor passions and pastimes. Whether it’s angling for deep sea bass, hitting the links, cycling over mountains and gorges, or even gardening in the backyard, it’s important to maximize eye protection, minimize annoying glare, and enhance visual performance.  Sporting the right lenses, enhancements, and frames is the ideal way to minimize the annoying effects of UV rays to safely enjoy the great outdoors. ​

The sun is by far the most important sources of energy on earth. Sunshine is a mixed blessing though. Despite the many health benefits moderate sun exposure may have, the ultraviolet radiation it emits can pose significant physical and optical threats.

A major change is on the way to Unity® Relieve—the digital eye strain lens for single vision wearers. To offer you and your patients even more choice, Unity Relieve will be available with or without TechShield® Blue beginning June 16th.

With the increase in computer dependency in our current work and learn from home environment, there may have never been a more important time to hone your expertise on computer lenses and how to help your patients understand their value. Fortunately, a free ABO course is offering you the chance to do just that.

This is part three in our series on dispensing progressive lenses. In part one we discussed how to match a progressive lens to a patient’s lifestyle and part two revealed five surefire tips for presenting progressive benefits to patients.  In the third installment, we’ll be delving into the art and science of converting multifocal diehards into progressive lens loyalists.