Monofocal lenses vs progressive lenses: differences

Within optical technology there is a wide catalog of lenses to correct different types of visual dysfunctions. But the dilemma usually arises between two specific types of lenses: monofocal lenses vs. progressive lenses.

On this occasion we explain the characteristics of each of them so that you know which one is best for you. These are specialization lenses for specific uses according to the vision condition of each user.

What are monofocal lenses?

First, we will start by defining what monofocal is. This term is interpreted by itself, since “mono” means “one” and “focal” refers to “focus” or “vision.” These lenses are characterized by rectifying vision defects in one type of focus.

In this sense, single vision glasses work to see near or far. However, they are not suitable for improving vision in cases where they report difficulties visualizing objects at the two mentioned distances.

Single vision lenses have the same formulation on their entire surface. It is for this reason that they only address one condition at a time. If the patient begins to have trouble seeing at both distances, it is likely that they will need two single vision lenses with different formulas.

That way, you would have monofocal lenses to see up close and others in the distance that you can adjust to your requirements. Even so, there is an additional option that we will develop in this comparison of single vision lenses vs progressive lenses.

What are progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses, unlike monovision lenses, do offer an integrated formulation. They are designed so that the eye can make three approaches: near, intermediate and far. To do this, a design with the following qualities is used:

Upper part of the glass: intended for viewing from afar.
Middle part of the glass: used to see at an intermediate distance..
Lower part of the glass: with formula to see up close.

With progressive contact lenses you get a wide variety of approaches, which allows you to perform any task without changing glasses. Due to these characteristics, they are known in common jargon as multifocal lenses.

The appearance of progressive lenses can be confused with monofocal lenses because they do not have any relief that demarcates the different focus areas. Therefore, multifocal lenses require an adaptation period.

Despite their proven effectiveness, crystals of this class have marginal areas on the sides without a formula. So the user must gain experience with the lenses in a learning process that is usually short.

What type of lenses is best for each user?

As we are making a comparison of single vision lenses vs progressive lenses, it is important to specify their conditions of use. The decisive aspect is: for what ocular defects are they indicated? It is a question that we will dedicate ourselves to answering below: