The downside of progressive lenses is that they have a longer adjustment time period and can potentially distort peripheral vision and also cost more than traditional bifocals and single vision lenses.
With progressive lenses it can take a couple of weeks to adapt to the different zones and visual distortions and potentially cause discomfort or disorientation initially although it should get better after a couple of weeks.
And during the time it takes you to get used to the progressive lenses it can make you feel off balance or nauseated from looking through the wrong section of the lenses.
Bigger frames are much better for progressive lenses as they provide more space for the lenses and also improve your vision.
The larger frames offer a wider viewing and reading area and gives more space for using a phone, working on a computer or reading etc.
The larger frames of progressive lenses also give you larger intermediate vision and are better for viewing a computer screen, dashboard etc and the larger frame height also helps you transition between prescription zones and some people prefer the look of larger frames of eyeglasses.
Premium progressive lenses are worth it as long as an experienced optician or eye doctor does the fitting.
Premium progressive lenses offer wider viewing areas, smoother transitions as well as better comfort and reduced distortion when compared to the regular or standard progressive lenses although they cost more.
Standard progressive lenses are a basic lens option and premium progressive lenses have a truly customized visual experience.
Premium lenses are also tailored to your own unique prescription and provide for wider viewing areas for easier and better focusing and standard progressive lenses don't and while they may save you money over the premium progressive lenses it can affect your vision.
Good progressive lenses cost around $295.00 to $300.00
However you can sometimes get the progressive lenses for as low as $75.00 to $175.00 in some places and with some discounts.
The company that makes the highest quality eyeglass lenses is Essilor.
Essilor is considered the world leader in eyeglass lenses and are known for their progressive lenses which include Varilux and their lens coating, Crizal.
Essilor also uses innovative technology and craftmanship.
Zeiss is also another company that makes high quality eyeglass lenses and they are known for their premium lenses, including their progressive eyeglass lenses and they're also known for their clarity, comfort and durable coatings.
Rodenstock is a German manufacturer of eyeglasses and lenses and are known for their precision, clarity, and innovative technologies and are also known for their single vision, progressive and specialty lenses.
Hoya is known for their durable coatings and high index technology and are known for their progressive eyeglass lenses including Hoyalux.
The reason why prescription eyeglasses are so expensive is because they have high retail markups as well as the cost of specialized materials needed to make the prescription lenses and the manufacturing process as well as the limited competition.
Retailers of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses often mark up the cost of the frames and lenses which contribute to the overall price and they know they can get away with it because people need the glasses and contact lenses.
The eyeglasses and eyewear industry is also dominated by a few major players, which too can lead to the higher prices and less price competition.
Also a single company, called EssilorLuxottica, controls a large portion of the eyewear market, and owns many well known brands and retail chains.
Eyeglasses are also made from various specialized materials, including durable and lightweight options such as titanium as well as acetate for frames and lenses with specialized coatings for scratch resistance, anti glare and UV protection.
Also creating or making prescription lenses for eyeglasses requires a high level of precision and customization, especially for complex prescriptions like progressive lenses which also adds to the cost of the eye prescription or eyeglasses.