Somewhere in your 40s, reading small print gets harder. It's called presbyopia, and it happens to everyone. If you also need glasses for distance, you'll want a lens that handles both — and that usually means bifocals or progressives.
Bifocals: two zones and a line
A bifocal lens has a distance zone on top and a small reading segment at the bottom, separated by a visible line. They're simple, affordable and easy to get used to.
- Pros: lower cost, wide reading area, quick to adapt
- Cons: visible line, no middle zone for computers, the image can 'jump' at the line
Progressives: smooth from far to near
A progressive lens changes power gradually from the top (distance) through the middle (arm's length — perfect for laptops and dashboards) to the bottom (reading). There's no visible line, so they look just like regular glasses.
- Pros: clear at every distance, no line, natural look
- Cons: higher cost, a short adaptation period, some softness at the edges
So which should you choose?
If you spend time on screens, drive, and want one pair for everything, progressives are usually the better fit. If you mainly switch between distance and reading and want to keep costs down, bifocals do the job well. Accurate measurements matter for both — especially progressives — so get them fitted in person.