[Acceptance of progressive lenses].

BACKGROUND

The wearing of progressive lens poses a problem to two kinds of patients: those who are practically emmetropic and use reading glasses only, and ametropic patients whose eyes have been corrected for years with bifocals. The wearing of progressive lenses is generally not recommended for those presbyopes.

METHODS

A group of individuals (n = 50) underwent refraction, and their addition was adjusted to their work and their age (44-72 years). They were then divided into two groups, one of which (n = 25) was equipped with bifocals (Telarc, Essilor) and the other (n = 25) with progressive lenses (Varilux Comfort, Essilor). After four weeks, the types of glasses were exchanged. After a further four weeks, each group used the original pair of glasses for another week. At the end of this phase, each of the test subjects was asked his opinion in favour of one or the other types of glasses. At each change of glasses, factors such as duration of the adaptation period, assessment of sight, general impression and time of use were recorded.

RESULTS

At the determination of refraction much attention must be given to mildly astigmatic patients in order to optimise the prescription of progressive lenses. Progressive lenses were just as well tolerated by the group of convinced bifocal wearers, even though the familiarisation period took up to two weeks, especially for the older patients. Once the progressive lenses had been accepted, bifocals were generally abandoned for good. This is mainly due to the quality of the progressive lenses, which favour precise vision even in intermediate zones. For most of the individuals who were previously fitted with reading glasses only, the demarcation line between the distant and near parts of the bifocal lens pose major problems. Whereas progressive lenses were accepted as readily as in the group previously fitted with bifocals, about 40% of the total individuals tested refused bifocal lenses.

CONCLUSION

In all, 96% of the participants considered progressive lenses good or very good. All recognised that progressive lenses represent the most aesthetic solution. However, in certain cases bifocal lenses together with progressive lenses remain interesting. For patients who were previously accustomed to reading glasses only, the duration of use of glasses with progressive lenses rose from 40% to 60% of the working day.