A lined bifocal should set within 1.5mm above or below where the lower eyelashes leave the eyelid. If the bifocal sets higher than this, the bifocal segment may interfere with distance vision. If the bifocal segment is placed lower than this, the reading area will be decreased and the wearer will often have to tilt their head back in order to look through the reading portion. This can result in neck strain and frustration.

Many new bifocal wearers make the mistake of not giving themselves adequate time to adjust to the appropriate bifocal height, and as a result, they often request to have the bifocal segment lowered many millimeters. Be aware, this is not how bifocals were designed to be worn and this often results in neck strain and a very small reading zone. Once this bad habit is developed, it may be very hard to readjust to the correct bifocal placement later in life as bifocal dependency increases.

It is impossible to predict if a frame has adequate vertical height to properly position a lined bifocal without first trying on the frame. Every frame fits every person so differently and frame height, ear location, nose location, and nose width all affect how and where a frame will sit on each individual wearer. All of these factors come together to determine if a frame is large enough to house a bifocal and where a bifocal must sit for each individual wearer. However, it is always a good idea if you are purchasing a frame that will contain a lined bifocal to ensure that the frame has at least a 24 mm vertical (B) height. This value is shown on our website for all frames after they are individually selected for viewing.

If you purchase lined bifocals from our on-line store we will require that we first ship you the frame with easy to follow instructions on how you can indicate the proper location for your bifocals. We will pay for the shipping to have you return your frame to us. Then, and only then, will we will manufacture your lenses. We feel anything less would result in imperfect lenses and quite honestly, be unethical.

The gradient pattern design of a no-line progressive lens is custom designed and copyright owned by individual lens companies. The area directly in front of the center of the eye is for distance viewing. As you gradually move inferiorly down the lens, the near reading power gradually increases.

The red zone in the above picture shows the location of the intermediate power, focusing at arm’s length. The intermediate zone works for objects slightly below your straight ahead viewing, like a desktop computer.

As you continue lower on the lens, a near reading zone is encountered (blue zone). Typically your doctor will set this reading zone for about 16-18 inches away from your eyes. Because the near reading zone is located lower in the lens, this portion of the lens can only be used for viewing objects that are held lower. For example, the blue zone would work well for your cell phone or a menu, both of which are typically held lower and 16-18 inches away from your face.

The proper way to fit a no-line progressive lens is to mark the location of the very center of your eyes (or vision) while you are wearing the frame. This “optical center” will be used to match up the pre-made patented lens design profile with your eyes and new frame. The optical center location will vary greatly from person to person. This is why the frame must be tried on to ensure accurate placement of the optical center.

The near portions of a progressive lens cannot be lowered, raised, or increased in size. Again, the intermediate and near vision portion locations are pre-set and determined by the lens design of the company producing your no-line progressive lens. Their location is strictly based of the optical center placement.

It is impossible to predict if a frame has adequate vertical height to properly position a no-line progressive lens without first trying on the frame. Every frame fits every person so differently and frame height, ear location, nose location, and nose width all affect how and where a frame will sit on each individual wearer. All of these factors come to together to determine if a frame is large enough to properly align a no-line progressive lens for each individual wearer. However, it is always a good idea if you are purchasing a frame that will contain no-line progressive lenses to ensure that the frame has at least a 24 mm vertical (B) height. This value is shown on our website for all frames after they are individually selected for viewing.

If you purchase no-line progressive lenses from our on-line store, we will require that we first ship you the frame with easy to follow instructions on how you can mark the optical center of your lens. We will pay for the shipping to have you return your frame to us. Then, and only then, will we will manufacture your no-line progressive lenses. We feel anything less would result in imperfect lenses and quite honestly, be unethical.