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A freeform progressive lens is a progressive lens manufactured using advanced digital surfacing technology. The prescription is calculated and ground onto the inner, back surface of the lens, which provides a much wider, clearer viewing area than traditional progressives.
read more about freeform progressive eyeglass lens ...Freeform technology improves vision by allowing for highly precise customization. The power corridor is optimized for the individual wearer's prescription, frame fit, and as-worn position, which significantly reduces the peripheral distortion common in older lenses.
The main benefit is reduced distortion. Grinding the complex progressive design onto the back surface places the prescription closer to the wearer's eye. This positioning minimizes the "swimming" feeling and widens the clear viewing channels.
Freeform lenses require extremely accurate measurements of the frame's as-worn position, including the pantoscopic tilt, face-form wrap, and vertex distance. This data is fed into the digital lab equipment to calculate the lens optimization.
The digital surfacing process allows the lens to be ground in thousands of specific points, not just broad curves. This level of precision allows the lab to push unwanted peripheral blurring and aberration to the far edges of the lens, maximizing the clear viewing zones.
Freeform refers to the manufacturing method. All freeform lenses are progressive lenses, but not all progressive lenses are freeform.
Yes, freeform lenses are a premium product and are more expensive than traditional progressive lenses due to the advanced technology used.
No, freeform lenses are still progressive lenses and do not have any visible lines or segments.
If you have struggled to adapt to progressives due to "peripheral swim" or a narrow reading zone, ask for "digital freeform" lenses. They are medically superior for patients with high astigmatism as they customize the optics for every point on the lens.
Review of Ophthalmology. Advanced Lens Manufacturing (revophth.com). 2024.
The Vision Council. Digital Surfacing Guide (thevisioncouncil.org). 2023.
AAO. Bifocals and Progressives (aao.org). 2024.
ABDO. Spectacle Lens Dispensing (abdo.org.uk). 2024.