24826 MORTON RANCH RD. Suite 300 KATY, TX 77493
TEXT* at 832-521-2020
We will be closed Friday Dec 5th 2025
Progressive Glasses in Grange
If you are wondering where to buy the best progressives near Grange in Katy TX, Eye Eye Doc is a fantastic option. Here is an overview of progressives and for those in the area, we are a few lights east on Morton Road. We have many progressive options to choose from and can help you with choosing one that would work well for you!
What are progressive bifocal glasses?
Progressive glasses are lenses that have multiple focusing points in the lenses. They gradually change from a distance prescription, to an intermediate (arms length distance) and ultimately to a book or phone distance.
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Progressive glasses versus bifocals
What's the difference between a progressive and a bifocal?
A progressive has multiple focusing points while a bifocal only has two focusing points.
Both help a person see better at distance and up close.
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Progressive
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Gradual changes to each focus point
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Clear vision attainable at all distances
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No cosmetic appearance
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Versatile but harder to learn initially
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Customizable by design of how the distance changes to reading, by patient's own unique measurements, and by how a frame is worn.
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Bifocal
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Sudden change from distance to reading focus points. (Image jump)
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See two sections on lens
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Easier to learn to use
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Field of view in the reading section is wider than a progressive
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Only option to customize is the height of the reading section and how big the bifocal segment would be. 28mm is standard but bigger can be made.
Design of Progressive Lenses
While it would be ideal if a progressive could make the focusing gradually change evenly through the lens, our current algorithms cannot do it.
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A progressive needs to add power as it moves from the top of the glasses to the bottom. To do this a lens would need to be more convex or thicker to do so. Lens designers have found that adjusting the curvature unevenly, we can minimize the lens thickness and distortion in the areas where people look through. This is the core concept and how each manufacturer choses to adjust the parameters are trade secrets. The more variables we have, the more customized the lens design gets, which further minimizes distortions.
Couldn't a trifocal do the same as a progressive?
A trifocal does have three zones like a progressive. Like a bifocal with sudden transitions, a trifocal would have three distinct zones.
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Trifocals are made by adding a small segment to the reading bifocal segment. The small segment added is not big so it wouldn't be the most comfortable to use for extended times and it takes precise looking through, as if you were using a progressive.
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Because of those limitations, trifocals have fallen out of favor.
What's the difference between Progressive lenses?
To create a lens that incorporates multiple distance and reading prescriptions. Algorithms are used to decide how fast the number changes and where the number goes. This will cause areas of unwanted prescription due to the desire to keep the lens as flat and cosmetically appealing as possible. As a reading prescription increases it will become thicker. Imagine your glasses getting thicker and thicker as it gets to the bottom! Each algorithm uses different inputs and templates to create different design profiles. The more customized the profile, the better the performance and appearance. Better performance also aids in learning to use a progressive which is difficult for first timers. Even for existing progressive viewers, a better performing lens means less head and neck compensation which over the course of the day is something many don't realize until they get a better progressive. For adaptation and visual performance, go with the top tier option that you can afford.
Conclusion
While there is nothing wrong with a bifocal, patients often prefer a progressive for the versatility of the vision they provide. Depending on a patient's adaptability and visual demands, some progressives will work better than others. Don't let a previous failed attempt at progressives sway you from trying again! Bifocals do have their uses and at Eye Eye Doc, we can personalize a pros and cons based off your prescription, your visual demands, and what we think would work the best for you. For those in Grange and surrounding Katy, TX neighborhoods, we can go over the differences in designs or simply help you decide!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Pham is an Optometrist with years of experience fitting progressives to patients with demanding visual tasks. From cashiers, IT, to dentists, to doctors, each have their own unique fitting traits.
Service Hours
Contact Information
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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​Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Thursday​
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Friday
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
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Saturday​
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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​Sunday
Closed