New Progressive Lens Technologies

In recent years we’ve been hearing a lot about new types of lenses—digital, high definition, high resolution, and more. But what exactly are they?

Over the years all ophthalmic lens manufacturing laboratories have practically all adopted digital technology. This means computers are used in the lens manufacturing process. This has increased precision and boosted optical quality for wearers, especially in specialized eyewear for activities ranging from computer use to sports.

Meanwhile, manufacturers have gone even further in the quest to reduce aberrations (or distortion) in the periphery and to design products better suited to users’ needs. Whereas for the previous generation of progressive lenses and entry-level digital lenses, it was enough to measure pupillary distance, new high-resolution digital lenses are adjusted to other factors as well. Today’s eyecare professionals can measure a much greater number of variables:

• Vertex distance (distance between the eye and the glasses)
• Pantoscopic angle (angle formed by the frame and the wearer’s face)
• Frame curvature
• Head posture
• Eye and head movement during reading
• Distance from the eye’s centre of rotation

These measurements are then forwarded to the manufacturer, who uses them to fine tune lens features, producing custom-made lenses that afford patients the most comfortable and natural vision possible.

Whatever your lifestyle, your Opto-Réseau eyecare professionals, opticians, and optometrists will be pleased to help you find the progressive lenses best suited to your needs.