All About Progressive Lenses

Get to know the different types of progressive lenses

guy with eyeglasses sitting at a desk with a laptop

Progressive lenses, often referred to as "no-line bifocals," are a popular choice for individuals experiencing presbyopia, a natural part of aging that affects near vision. Unlike traditional bifocals or trifocals, progressive lenses provide a smooth transition between multiple vision zones: distance, intermediate, and near. This design offers a more natural visual experience without the distinct lines seen in older lens styles. Within the category of progressive lenses, there are specific types designed to address different visual needs, including computer progressive lenses. Understanding the difference between computer progressive lenses and regular progressive lenses can help individuals choose the right eyewear for their lifestyle and work requirements.

Regular Progressive Lenses

Regular progressive lenses are designed to provide clear vision at all distances—far, intermediate, and near. The lens is divided into three zones:

1. Distance Zone: The top portion of the lens is optimized for distance vision, allowing wearers to see clearly when driving, watching TV, or engaging in other activities that require seeing things far away.

2. Intermediate Zone: The middle section of the lens helps with intermediate vision, which is useful for tasks such as working on a computer or viewing items at arm's length.

3. Near Zone: The bottom part of the lens is for near vision, ideal for reading or other close-up activities.

The transition between these zones is gradual, which allows for a natural shift in focus. Regular progressive lenses are ideal for general use and for those who need multifocal correction throughout their daily activities.

Computer Progressive Lenses

Computer progressive lenses, also known as "office lenses" or "occupational lenses," are specifically designed for those who spend a significant amount of time working on computers or engaging in tasks at intermediate and near distances. These lenses prioritize comfort and efficiency for close-up and computer-related activities. Here’s how they differ:

1. Optimized Intermediate Zone: The intermediate zone is larger and more prominently positioned than in regular progressive lenses. This is because computer work often involves looking at screens that are positioned at an intermediate distance, approximately 20 to 26 inches away from the eyes.

2. Enhanced Near Zone: While the near zone is also well-defined, it is typically less pronounced than the intermediate zone. This design helps with reading and other close-up tasks, which are common in office environments.

3. Reduced Distance Zone: The distance vision zone is either minimized or repositioned, reflecting the fact that computer work rarely involves focusing on distant objects. This feature helps reduce unnecessary head movements and neck strain, which can occur when the wearer frequently adjusts their head position to find the "sweet spot" of their lenses.

4. Blue Light Filtering Options: Many computer progressive lenses also offer blue light filtering technology to reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to digital screens.

Choosing the Right Lens

When deciding between regular progressive lenses and computer progressive lenses, consider the following factors:

Primary Activities: If you spend most of your day performing tasks at various distances, regular progressive lenses might be the best option. If your work involves prolonged periods at a desk or in front of a screen, computer progressive lenses can offer enhanced comfort and efficiency.

Lifestyle Needs: Consider your lifestyle needs outside of work. Regular progressive lenses provide versatility for a range of activities, while computer lenses are specialized for specific tasks.

Eye Strain and Comfort: For those experiencing digital eye strain, headaches, or neck discomfort related to screen use, computer lenses can help alleviate these symptoms by providing a more ergonomic visual experience.

Conclusion

Both regular and computer progressive lenses offer valuable benefits depending on individual needs. Consulting with an eye care professional can help determine the best lens type for your vision correction needs and lifestyle. Whether you require versatility for everyday activities or specialized support for prolonged screen use, there's a progressive lens solution designed to enhance your visual comfort and performance.

Don't forget to purchase a vision insurance plan that fits your needs before visiting your eye care professional to get the maximum savings. Having a plan can save you alot of money during your exam, and supply additional savings in or out of network for lenses, frames and even for contacts. Signing up is easy and takes only minutes. Both EyeMed and VSP network plans are available on our vision insurance page.

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What is Gap Insurance?

By Justin Sonon • September 10, 2025

Gap Insurance: Dealer Add-On vs. Auto Insurance Policy — Which Is the Smarter Choice? Buying a new car is exciting, but it also comes with financial risks. The moment you drive off the lot, your vehicle starts to depreciate in value. If your car is ever totaled or stolen, your standard auto insurance typically pays out the actual cash value, not the balance left on your loan or lease. That’s where Gap Insurance comes in. Short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, it covers the “gap” between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe your lender. Why You’ll Hear About Gap Insurance at the Dealership When you’re finalizing your purchase, the finance manager often offers Gap Insurance as an add-on. Convenience : You can roll it right into your financing paperwork. Cost : This convenience comes at a price. Dealers typically charge $400– $900 as a one-time fee, and because it’s financed, you’ll also pay interest on it. Commitment : Once it’s bundled into your loan, you’re locked into that cost even if your balance drops faster than expected. For example: if you buy a $30,000 SUV and total it a year later when it’s worth only $24,000, but you still owe $28,000, the dealer’s Gap Insurance would cover the $4,000 difference. Useful—but not always cost-effective. Gap Insurance Through Your Auto Insurance Policy What many car buyers don’t realize is that they can add Gap Insurance directly to their auto insurance policy. Lower Cost : Most carriers charge just $20–$40 per year for the same protection. Flexibility : You can add or remove the coverage as your loan balance changes. Same Protection : It covers the same difference between your loan and your vehicle’s actual cash value. In the SUV example above, adding Gap Insurance through your policy would provide the same $4,000 protection—but at a fraction of the cost. Which Option Is Best? If you like convenience and don’t mind paying more, the dealership option works. If you want long-term savings, adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy is almost always the smarter financial choice. At Sonon Insurance , you can explore whether adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy makes more sense for your wallet. Because protecting your vehicle, and your finances, shouldn’t cost more than it has to.

What Is Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Coverage?

By Justin Sonon • August 26, 2025

Why “Cancel for Any Reason” Travel Insurance Might Be the Best Thing Since Rolling Suitcases Picture this: you’ve been dreaming about your big trip. Tickets booked, bags packed, playlist ready. Then life happens, your cat decides to swallow a Lego, your boss suddenly “remembers” a big project, or you realize that a trip to a tropical island during monsoon season wasn’t your brightest idea. Normally, this is when you’d be stuck with the sad sound of money swirling down the drain. But if you’ve got travel insurance with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage , you can laugh in the face of chaos (well, at least chuckle a little). The Perks of CFAR Coverage—With a Side of Humor 1. You Don’t Need a Good Excuse Traditional insurance : “Sorry, that doesn’t count unless your appendix explodes mid-flight.” CFAR coverage: “You woke up and decided you’d rather binge-watch Netflix in sweatpants than fly across the ocean? Cool—we’ve got you covered.” 2. You’re Protected From Family Shenanigans Maybe your cousin suddenly schedules their wedding the same week as your dream cruise. With CFAR, you can cancel the trip and still show up awkwardly holding the world’s most boring salad bowl from their registry. 3. Weather Can’t Ruin Your Parade Who among us hasn’t booked a beach vacation only to arrive during torrential rain? With CFAR, you can check the forecast a few days before and bail, saving yourself from 7 days of Monopoly in a damp hotel room. 4. Peace of Mind for the Overthinker For those who like to plan Plan A, B, and C… and a backup Plan D (just in case aliens land), CFAR is like a security blanket. You don’t have to justify your panic. Cancel. Reschedule. Repeat. 5. Because Sometimes, You Just Don’t Feel Like It Life’s unpredictable. Maybe you’re not sick, maybe no one died, maybe nothing dramatic happened…you just don’t want to go anymore. CFAR says, “That’s enough reason for us.” The Fine Print (Without the Boring Lecture) Most CFAR plans will reimburse up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs—as long as you cancel within the allowed timeframe (usually 48 hours before departure). But hey, that’s a whole lot better than the 0% refund you’d otherwise get for your spur-of-the-moment decision to stay home with your dog. Final Boarding Call Travel is supposed to be fun. Worrying about “what if I need to cancel?” isn’t. That’s why Sonon Insurance recommends adding CFAR coverage to your travel insurance, so whether it’s a real emergency or just an “I’d rather not,” you won’t lose everything you invested in your adventure. Because at the end of the day, sometimes the best trip… is the one you didn’t take.