Freeform Progressive Lenses: What Are They and Why Are They a Better Lens?

Within the last twenty years of optometry, freeform progressive lenses have been the lens of choice for practitioners when assisting patients address all their vision needs. Being available for nearly all prescriptions, these lenses provide a new level of customisation unique to the patient that is not available with regular stock lenses (Zeiss, 2022).

This is of course a big advancement in our optical technology, but you may be wondering what exactly a free form progressive lens is?

Alike other progressive lenses, freeform lenses include a distance power in the upper part of the lens, a reading power in the lower part of the lens, and an intermediate section in the middle of the lens providing a transition between these two powers (Zeiss, 2022). Blurring around the periphery of all progressive lenses is a natural occurrence due to the laws of physics (Zeiss, 2022). However, where stock and freeform lenses differ is in the customisation of the lens type.

As freeform lenses are produced from the precise calculations for each individual patient, this allows for reduced peripheral blurring of the lens.

But how are these freeform lenses individually customised?

When manufacturing freeform progressive, the product is directly made from the prescription of the patient as well as the measurements collected about their eyes and chosen frame. Data such as measuring the pupil distance between the patient’s eyes as well as where their pupils are sitting in the frame, is used in the production of the freeform progressive lens to tailor it specifically to the needs of the wearer.

The customisable nature of this high-end modern technology therefore creates many benefits over the traditional standard stock progressive lens.

One main positive of this lens is its ability to address the unique needs of each wearer. For example, if a patient has stated that they engage in a lot of computer work, freeform progressive lenses can be made to have a wider intermediate and reading area to address this lifestyle factor (Pair, 2025).

For people who have had adaption problems in the past when wearing progressive lenses, freeform lenses are an excellent option. Their customisation reduces headaches and eye fatigue which can occur with adaption to regular progressive lenses (Hoya, 2025). Wearers will also experience sharper vision in the centre of the lens and a wider field of view (Hoya, 2025). This means that these lenses are optimised for activities such as driving, reading, writing, and more!

In addition to the increased practicality and suitability of freeform progressive lenses, their design also allows for greater aesthetic choices. These lenses are thinner in design and when accompanied by a higher index, patients do not need to sacrifice the appearance of their frame for their vision needs!

As we can see, many benefits therefore exist with progressive freeform lenses. With this technology all your vision and lifestyle needs are able to be addressed making these lenses a revolutionary and important innovation within optometry.

References
Hoya. (2025). Free form Lenses Aren’t Just for Progressive Lenses Anymore. https://www.hoyavision.com/en-us/blog/blogs-and-article/mysv-for-single-vision/
Pair. (2025). What Are Free Form Progressive/Varifocal Lenses? + 3 Benefits. https://paireyewear.com/blogs/news/free-form-progressive-lenses
Zeiss. (2022). 10 years of individualised lenses with freeform technology from ZEISS. https://www.zeiss.com.au/vision-care/eye-health-and-care/understanding-vision/10-years-of-individualised-lenses-with-freeform-technology-from-zeiss.html

Written by Mia