Progressive, Transitions and Blue Light Lenses in Montréal

The frame is what people see. The lenses are what you see through, all day. At PrimeVision in Montréal, we help you choose the lens design, the material and the coatings that fit your prescription and the way you use your eyes, then we measure and fit them precisely. This page explains the options people ask about most: progressive lenses, Transitions lenses and blue light glasses.

Progressive lenses

After about age 40, the eye gradually loses its ability to focus up close. This is called presbyopia, and it happens to everyone. Progressive lenses correct distance, computer and reading vision in a single lens, with no visible line. The top of the lens is for distance, the middle for arm's length, and the bottom for reading.

What makes a good progressive lens

  • The design. Newer progressive designs give a wider reading zone and less distortion at the edges, which makes them much easier to adapt to.
  • The measurements. A progressive lens only works if the zones sit exactly in front of your pupils. We measure your pupil distance and fitting height in the frame you chose, on your face.
  • The frame. The lens needs enough height to fit all three zones. We will tell you which frames work with your prescription.

Most people adapt to progressive lenses within a few days to two weeks. Wear them full time from day one, point your nose at what you want to see, and lower your eyes rather than your head to read. If something feels off after two weeks, come back and we will check the fit.

Progressive lenses or reading glasses?

Reading glasses are fine if you only need help up close and do not mind taking them on and off. If you also wear glasses for distance, or you switch between a screen, a page and a room all day, progressive lenses are far more practical. For people who spend most of the day at a desk, we can also fit office lenses designed for screen and reading distances.

Transitions and photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses are clear indoors and darken automatically outdoors when they are exposed to UV light. Transitions is the best known brand of photochromic lens. They block 100% of UVA and UVB rays at all times, whether they are clear or dark.

  • Good for: people who go in and out all day, children, and anyone who does not want to carry a second pair
  • Available in several colours, and in single vision and progressive lenses
  • Good to know: most photochromic lenses darken less behind a car windshield, because the windshield already blocks the UV that activates them. If you drive a lot, a pair of prescription sunglasses, ideally polarized, is still the best choice

Blue light glasses

Screens, LED lighting and the sun all emit blue light. Blue light filtering lenses reduce the amount of blue-violet light that reaches the eye. Many people who spend long hours at a screen tell us they find them more comfortable.

We will be straightforward with you: research has not shown that blue light from screens damages the eye, and studies on whether blue light glasses reduce digital eye strain are mixed. Tired eyes at the screen usually come from blinking less, focusing at one distance for hours, glare, or a prescription that is slightly off. That is why we look at the whole picture:

  • An up-to-date prescription, including a prescription set for your screen distance if you need one
  • An anti-reflective coating, which makes the biggest difference to glare and visual comfort
  • A blue light filter if you want one, built into the lens or the coating
  • The 20-20-20 habit: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • An evaluation for dry eye if your eyes burn, water or feel gritty at the end of the day

Anti-reflective and protective coatings

An anti-reflective coating removes the reflections on the front and the back of your lenses. You see better at night and at the screen, people see your eyes instead of reflections, and the lenses are easier to clean. Quality coatings also resist scratches, smudges, water and dust. We recommend one on almost every pair.

Thinner and lighter lenses

Stronger prescriptions mean thicker lenses, unless you choose a high-index material. High-index lenses are thinner and lighter, look better in the frame, and are more comfortable to wear. We will show you what your prescription will look like in the frame you chose before you order.

Other lenses we fit

  • Myopia control lenses for children: MiyoSmart and Stellest
  • Prescription sunglasses and polarized lenses
  • Office and computer lenses
  • Single vision lenses for distance or reading

Choose your lenses at PrimeVision

Lens recommendations start with an accurate prescription. Book an eye exam online, or bring a valid prescription to our boutique at 9520 Bd de l'Acadie, Suite 222, Montréal, near Marché Central. We bill most major insurers directly. Call 514-827-7463. See also: prescription glasses in Montréal and eye exams.