In this blog post, we’ll explore the principles, features, and pros and cons of progressive multifocal lenses—a common method for correcting presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a natural change in vision that anyone can experience as they age. Not only do I wear glasses, but my entire family does as well. Today, with the increasing use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers, the number of people experiencing vision loss is on the rise. More people—from young children to the elderly—are wearing glasses, and as a result, eyeglass and lens technology has advanced significantly compared to the past. A prime example of this is the progressive multifocal lens.
South Korea is experiencing rapid population aging, and due to changes in living environments and the rise of computer-based work, the onset of presbyopia is gradually occurring at an earlier age. While presbyopia was traditionally thought to begin in one’s 50s, it is now not uncommon for people in their 40s to experience it. Presbyopia refers to the phenomenon where, as we age, the lens of the eye loses its ability to focus, making it difficult to see objects up close.
When a person with myopia develops presbyopia, their myopia does not improve; rather, they find it difficult to see clearly at both near and far distances. Does this mean they must wear reading glasses for close-up tasks and separate myopia glasses when going out? Progressive multifocal lenses were developed precisely to address this inconvenience. Progressive multifocal lenses were developed to overcome the drawbacks of reading glasses and bifocal lenses used to correct presbyopia. They were first commercially available in France under the brand name “Varilux.” These lenses allow for natural vision at various distances, from far to near, and do not exhibit the “step-off” effect that can occur with bifocal lenses. The central portion of the lens is designed for distance vision, and the prescription gradually changes toward the lower part of the lens to accommodate near vision. Therefore, by looking through the center or slightly above the center of the lens for distant objects and through the lower part of the lens for nearby objects, users can see both distant and near objects clearly. This ability to see at various distances with a single pair of glasses allows for effective correction of presbyopia.
Progressive multifocal lenses are widely used to correct presbyopia, and their use is steadily increasing, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. They offer the advantage of allowing users to see both far and near objects freely, and they look more natural than reading glasses. However, there are important precautions to keep in mind. Wearing them without an accurate eye exam and prescription from a specialist can lead to eye strain, dizziness, and difficulty adapting to the new visual field. Additionally, when wearing them for the first time, it is necessary to go through a gradual adaptation process by developing the habit of moving the eyes and head together. Although individual results may vary, the adaptation period can range from a few hours to about two weeks. Recently, technologies aimed at improving wearers’ adaptation through more precise examinations and personalized designs have been continuously advancing. However, the relatively high price of these lenses can still be a financial burden. Depending on the product and design, prices range from several hundred thousand won to over several million won.
Modern eyewear technology continues to advance in various areas, such as functional lenses that reduce glare and aspheric lenses. Among these, progressive multifocal lenses have established themselves as a leading optical technology that allows wearers to see at various distances naturally with a single pair of glasses, and further technological advancements are expected in the future.
