What type of lenses allow a person to see objects up close, typically used by presbyopic patients?

Progressive lenses are designed specifically for individuals like those with presbyopia, who have difficulty focusing on near objects as they age. These lenses provide a smooth transition in prescription strengths from the top to the bottom of the lens, allowing patients to see clearly at various distances—near, intermediate, and far—without the visible lines that are often present in bifocal or trifocal lenses.

This seamless gradient of power is beneficial for presbyopic patients as it accommodates their changing vision needs throughout the day and provides a more natural visual experience compared to other lens types. In contrast, bifocal and trifocal lenses can limit the range of vision and can be less aesthetically pleasing due to their distinct segment lines, while single vision lenses only correct for one specific distance—either near or far, but not both simultaneously.

Progressive lenses thus offer the most versatile and comprehensive solution for presbyopic individuals seeking clear vision across multiple distances.