Trifocal Lens – Uses, Benefits, Costs

Trifocal lenses are a type of glasses that correct three different viewing ranges on a single lens. Corrects top-down, far, intermediate, and near vision problems. Trifocal glasses are typically recommended for people over the age of 40 who have pre-existing vision problems and are beginning to experience presbyopia. However, anyone who needs help with the three fields of view can benefit from the trifocal glasses. Trifocal lenses are made by placing three different vision prescriptions on one lens.

First, the distance vision is prescribed on the lens, then the middle vision for the middle of the lens, and then the near vision at the bottom of the lens. It serves a unique purpose compared to other types of glasses. A trifocal lens has lines that define the corrective area on the lens for each visual range. Because of these lines, vision may blur between each focal range. The top of a trifocal lens corrects distance vision for activities such as driving. The middle part of the lens corrects intermediate vision, which helps to see objects about an arm’s length. The lower part of the trifocal lens is for near activities such as reading.

Who Is The Trifocal Lens Suitable For?

Trifocal glasses are best suited for people who need vision correction at multiple distances. Some vision conditions can cause people to need trifocal glasses. For example, many people develop presbyopia as they get older. It is a common condition that typically begins to appear soon after the age of 40, causing people to lose their ability to see up close. For people who already have eyeglass prescriptions for moderate or distance vision problems, the development of presbyopia can meet the need for trifocal glasses. Presbyopia is part of the normal aging process and can cause people to change their eyeglass prescriptions. For people who do not want to wear contact lenses or do not want to undergo eye surgery, trifocal glasses are a great way to ensure that they continue to see clearly across all viewing ranges.

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How is Trifocal Lenses Made?

Trifocal lenses are made by creating three different vision prescriptions on one lens. Once personalized trifocal glasses are received, the design of each section can be selected. There are two main three types of focused options to choose from and they are as follows: • Flat top trifocal lens: Near and intermediate vision segments conform to a D shape allowing good peripheral vision. They do not reach the entire lens and are easy for people to get used to.

• Executive trifocal lens: With this lens, the intermediate segment is thinner. Each segment runs through the entire lens and offers a wider range of corrected vision. To create a trifocal lens, a distance is first prescribed for the entire lens. Following the distance prescription, additional diopter is added to the top of the lens until the intermediate prescription is obtained for the rest of the lens. Finally, more diopters are added to the lower part of the lens until the desired near vision prescription is reached. Trifocal lenses can be made on some lens materials. These materials are as follows: CR-39, Polycarbonate, High index glass.

Trifocal Lens and Other Types of Lenses

Normal glasses only correct one vision, and bifocal lenses correct only two fields of vision in one lens. Progressives are similar to trifocal ones, but can provide a more seamless transition between viewing ranges. Trifocal lenses are unique to other types of glasses because of their ability to provide vision correction in three different areas, all in one glasses. Trifocal lenses are not suitable for everyone. Other types of glasses are as follows:

• Standard glasses: Standard glasses are the most common type of corrective glasses prescribed for many different vision problems. A single vision prescription is made on the lens of normal glasses.

• Bifocal glasses: Provides vision correction in two different visual fields, such as bifocals and trifocals. In bifocals, the upper part of the lens is for distance vision and the lower part is for near vision with a clear line describing the two prescriptions.

• Progressive: Progressive lenses provide correction for multiple fields of vision without a distinct line between lenses. Prescription power increases gradually from top to bottom. Trifocal glasses tend to offer better peripheral vision than progressives, while increasing numbers of people choose progressive over trifocal. It is especially ideal for reading or working on the computer. Additionally, many people find progressives more functional than bifocal or trifocals, but can be more difficult to get used to.

Trifocal Lens’s Cost Differences

The cost of your glasses will vary depending on how much customization is needed, which frame and lens coating is preferred, and where you choose to buy the glasses. However, in general, multifocal lenses are more expensive than regular glasses with a single vision prescription. The reasons why trifocal lenses are more expensive are as follows:

• Its materials, the most expensive high resolution lenses, provide the sharpest vision and most peripheral vision for people with complex eye conditions requiring multifocal lenses.

• Its design, the design of a trifocal or progressive lens is much more complex than a single vision or bifocal lens, making it more expensive.

• Extra cost is added for special coatings such as coatings, Adaptive progressive lenses.

• High-end options, high-quality and more expensive eyeglass lenses can be customized to meet unique vision needs, if there is a special need for vision prescription.

Brand name versions, branded frames, and lenses are typically more expensive than general eyewear. Similar quality glasses can be found at lower prices from less well-known companies. If the person needs multifocal lenses and is concerned about the high cost, they should remember that there are ways to save even on personalized glasses. While some features such as lens material and design should not be overlooked, savings are possible by choosing cheaper coatings and going with generic frames.

Disadvantages of Trifocal Lenses

While there are many benefits to wearing trifocal glasses, there are also a few drawbacks. One of the most common complaints about trifocal lenses is that it is difficult to get used to. Because of the three different prescriptions of vision in a trifocal lens, images can feel as if the eye moves from one prescription level to the next. Another complaint about trifocal lenses is that they appear to be a sign of aging. Because of the three different vision prescriptions marked with lines on the lenses, someone who looks at the person with their glasses can see that they are wearing trifocal glasses. For this reason, some people prefer progressive lenses for a younger look. In addition, trifocal lenses cannot be customized as much as progressive lenses. Vision prescriptions for near, intermediate and viewing distance can be customized, but lenses typically come with only a few standard options. Finally, trifocal glasses only last as long as vision prescriptions remain the same. If vision changes, updated prescriptions that will require new lenses may need to be obtained. Fortunately, replacement lenses are available at affordable prices.

Where to Buy Trifocal Lenses?

The sight prescriptions needed are already known, there are a wide variety of online and local retailers selling trifocal glasses. Many online retailers, including some companies specializing in the sale of eyeglasses, offer a wide range of trifocal glasses to choose from. For those who feel the need for trifocal glasses, the best place to start is to visit their eye doctor. They can identify current vision prescriptions and discuss the best lens options for the person.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/trifocal-lenses