I'm an optician and I sell a lot of Varilux lenses. The Varilux Physio 360 is being phased out for the newer Physio Enchanced. Both are types of progressives and both come in many different lens materials. They are both excellent progressives but there are very good progressives for less money if it's a concern.

I do suggest high index lenses for you and you shouldn't have problems with these lenses as they come in high index materials. The thinnest lens you could get would be the 1.74 high index but depending on the frame and your pupil distance a 1.67 high index would be cheaper and could be only a little thicker.

Do get the Crizal Avance anti refective coating, it's really outstanding and worth paying extra for.

I'm glad to answer any questions.

Happyladi,
I'm not Jennifer in Kansas but I wanted to thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I will be looking for glasses soon so I'll make a note of your comments on lenses.
Jean

Aren't progressive lenses used for bi-focals?

Since I only need single vision lenses it sounds like I'd be paying for technology I don't really need. Right?

I'm currently wearing the 1.67 and thought about switching to the 1.74 but last time I looked (several years ago) the price difference was pretty significant. From your comment it sounds like it still pricey.

I usually get anti-reflective but I'll have to ask for Crizal this time. Is there a brand you recommend for scratch resistant coating?

Also, thanks for all the information. This forum is full of such talented people. I just knew this was the place to ask my question!

Jennifer

Wow!

I need new lenses BADLY! I'm 49 now, with Tri-focals for yeeears now....
(OK...no comments from the peanut-gallery!)

I can't remember any of my Index #'s or pupil distance stuff, but...my world of clear vision extends about 14"!!! After that, the world's a BIG blur!

I'd LOVE to get back into contacts (had them for years in the late 70's -80's).
Are they even an option for Guys with BAD eyes like Me, that **ahem**, need at least bi-focal function?!!?

Signed,
Mr. Hubble-lens
Faron

Jennifer, yes, progressives are multifocals. If you are wearing single vision you don't need Physios which are a brand of progressive.

But Essilor (which is a lens maker like Toyota is a car maker) makes a single vision 360 lens that is supposed to be great for people with strong corrections and a lot of astigmatism. I have never tried it. I bet that is what he was suggesting for you.

Don't just ask for Crizal, you need to ask for Crizal Avance. There is a regular Crizal but it isn't nearly as scratch resistant or easy to clean as the Crizal Avance. The Crizal Avance includes an excellent scratch coat and so do all high index lenses so you don't need to pay extra for it.

I was just rereading my above post and I don't think it's very clear about scratch coatings. All high index and polycarb lenses include a scratch coat and also uv filter. All progressives have scratch coat at least on the front surface.

Now some might be better then others and sometimes you can pay extra for a better quality more durable coating but there is always some.

Most anti reflective (AR) lenses also have scratch coat included but a lot aren't very good.