Short answer: progressive lenses suit most people who need help at more than one distance. They give clear far, middle (screens, dashboards) and near vision with no visible line. Bifocals give two fixed zones, far and near, with a visible line, but larger, simpler reading areas. If you use screens or want a seamless look, progressives usually win; if you mainly need a big reading area and dislike adapting, bifocals can suit.
How each lens works
- Bifocals have two separate powers: distance on top and reading in a segment at the bottom, divided by a visible line.
- Progressives change power smoothly from top (distance) through the middle (intermediate) to the bottom (reading), with no line. The softer areas at the sides are the trade-off for that smooth change.
Progressive lenses: pros and cons
- Pros: clear vision at every distance, including computer screens and car dashboards; no visible line; one pair for most of the day.
- Cons: a few days to two weeks to get used to them; softer areas at the edges; usually cost more than bifocals; need a frame deep enough for the reading zone.
Bifocals: pros and cons
- Pros: large, stable reading area; little adaptation; usually cheaper.
- Cons: no intermediate zone, so screens at arm’s length can be blurry; a visible line; an “image jump” when your eyes cross the line.
Who should choose which
- Choose progressives if you work on a computer, drive a lot, move between tasks all day, or want glasses that look like single vision lenses.
- Bifocals can suit you if you mostly read or do close work and want the widest possible near zone, or you have tried progressives and could not adapt.
- Reading glasses only correct near vision; you take them off to see far. Fine for occasional reading, tiring if you switch distances often.
Switching from bifocals to progressives
- Wear the new pair full time from day one.
- Turn your head towards what you want to see instead of moving only your eyes.
- Lower your eyes, not your head, to read.
- Take stairs carefully for the first few days.
If it still feels wrong after two weeks, go back to your practitioner; the fit or measurements may need adjusting.
Which SPINEL progressive?
- Flexi Focus for first-time wearers and any frame size; designed for computer, reading and distance.
- Balance View for active days between indoors and outdoors, with the widest corridor in the range.
- Innosight when near and far matter equally, or for shallower frames (17.0 mm minimum fitting height).
- PC Pro for impact-resistant, lightweight polycarbonate.
Your SPINEL practitioner confirms the right design from your prescription and how you use your eyes. This article explains how lenses work; it is not medical advice and does not replace an eye examination. Read the full progressive lenses guide →