Question:
Is there any noticeable difference between a brand name progressive vision
lens like Varilux and a non branded "standard" progressive lens recently
offered to me at a Pearl Vision store? There is a significant difference in
cost. I have worn Varilux for the last 5 years but my prescription has
recently changed. The store manager said that most people do not notice a
difference. Also what about add ons such as, scratch resistant coating, UV
coating, anti-reflective coating etc.? Are they helpful? Thanks for any
advice! Bruce
Answer:
Depending on the brand there are a number of differences.....the biggest
difference between the higher quality PAL's and the lower designs are the
number of "steps" the eye travels through from distant to reading portion...the
more "steps" the less dramatic it is to the eye to shift in the power
range......low end PALs have 9 to 12 steps...while lens like the Varilux
Comfort have 32...if you want a compariable lens design to the Varilux then go
with either the Essilor Natural (made by the same company that owns Varilux by
the way) another good option is the Percepta from Sola......
When talking about a PAL (progressive addition lens) you'll hear them
referred to as a "hard" or "soft" design....the more steps of power the
"softer" the effect it has when you wade through the different steps of
power...
The second difference is the location of the fitting cross (where the eye
strikes the lens) depending on the "brand" can be anywhere from on the 180 line
to 2mm above and the highest is 4mm.
Third difference is the depth of the intermediate and from the cross to
the area where the reading area is located.
The Design should be sold to fit the needs or expectations of the
wearer....not based on "hey I can save you $10 if you go for this cheaper
design".....
A good trained and experienced optician will match the lens to the
person not just go for the "sale"....
If your choice of lens is design is a VIP or XL or Super No Line or A.O.
pro...then they are not as good a quality....give me a brand name I can find
out more information :-)
