Today, progressive lenses account for over 50% of all multifocal lenses sold in the
United States In fact, many multifocal wearers have never worn a “lined” bifocal; their
first pair of multifocals were progressive and they stayed with them as their presbyopia
advanced. There are several reasons for this. For one, the optics of progressives lenses
continues to improve as lens manufacturers develop more sophisticated lens designs. And
they are available in virtually every lens material and type from CR39 to high index
plastic, photochromic, polycarbonate, Trivex, and polarized. There are “specialty”
progressives for use in frames with a relatively narrow vertical measurement requiring a
low seg height as well as lenses designed specifically for “Wrap” eyewear which utilize
steeper than usual base curves.