With the return to work, it's imperative to pay attention to eye health. In an increasingly digital world, where we spend a significant amount of our day in front of screens, it's essential to understand which type of lenses are best suited to each person's needs. This article discusses the particularities of occupational lenses and progressive lenses, seeking to clarify the differences between these two types of lenses and their applicability.

Return to work: What are occupational lenses?

Occupational lenses are specially designed to optimise vision over a certain range of distances corresponding to a specific working environment. For example, for those who spend several hours a day looking at a computer screen, occupational lenses can be adjusted to offer the sharpest and most comfortable vision possible at that distance.

Back to work: What are progressive lenses?

They also offer multiple graduations in a single lens, but in a much wider range of powers, allowing you to see clearly at all distances. The upper part of the lens is designed for distance vision, the middle part for medium-distance vision and the lower part for vision at close range. These "three zones" are fully integrated with each other, in a progressive and continuous increase in power from top to bottom.

Back to work: Occupational Lenses vs Progressive Lenses

Wide field of view:

Occupational lenses are able to offer a wider field of vision because they don't have to manage such a wide range of powers

Comfort of use:

Occupational lenses provide greater wearing comfort because they are more specialised (lower power range). Head/eye movements are greatly minimised to obtain the power needed for the task.

Versatility:

Precisely for the reason mentioned in the previous point, occupational lenses are less versatile, not allowing, for example, clear vision in the distance (i.e. +5m). Therefore, their use is relatively restricted to environments where near and intermediate vision are dominant.

Adaptation:

Although a period of adaptation is necessary, particularly for those who have never worn prescription glasses and/or have only worn distance and/or near glasses, occupational lenses tend to adapt much more quickly than progressive lenses.

Cost:

Within the range of ophthalmic lenses offered by each brand, occupational lenses are always cheaper than progressive lenses.

In short, when you want to have clear vision that is as comfortable as possible in environments where near and intermediate vision predominate (e.g. desk jobs and/or intensive computer use), occupational lenses are the most suitable option, both in terms of quality of vision and cost. For technical advice that is personalised to your needs, consulting a professional is absolutely essential.