What are varifocal glasses, and do I need them?

If you’re looking to buy a new pair of varifocal glasses, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a handy guide to explain what varifocal glasses are and when you might need them.

What are varifocal lenses?

Varifocal glasses (sometimes referred to as progressive lenses or multifocals) use lenses that are made with different prescriptions in the same lens. Not to be confused with bifocal lenses, varifocal lenses don’t have a clear line between the prescriptions. Instead, the prescriptions blend into each other meaning that the lenses look similar to any single vision lenses but do something quite different.

Varifocal lenses tend to be split in such a way that the distance prescription is in line with your pupil and the near vision prescription makes up for the bottom section of the lens. These sandwich a third part of the lens, the intermediate range, which allows you to switch between being able to see things far away, seeing mid-range and then being able to see things at a reading distance.

The seamless blend of prescriptions means you only ever need one pair of specs at any one time – easy!

Do I need varifocal lenses? 

You only need varifocal lenses if your optician tells you that you do. Essentially, the optician is telling you that you require both a distance and a near vision prescription. Varifocal lenses take away the annoyance of having to switch between two pairs of glasses as and when you need to, or even having to buy, reading, computer and distance glasses separately.

What are my options with varifocal lenses? 

Pretty much all of our frames can host varifocal lenses. It Is always recommended to choose a frame that is not too narrow or too small but has a large lens space.  Our varifocal lenses are available with a number of options and are sourced from one of the leading German manufacturers.

All of our varifocals are freeform digital progressives manufactured using one of the most advanced technical designs to enable easy adaptation, infinitely variable corridor and a brilliant user experience for first time wearers.

Are varifocal glasses difficult to get used to?

Our customers tell us that the varifocals that we have supplied are extremely easy to get used to. The varifocals that we use are some of the highest quality available on the market and they really do facilitate a smooth transition between visual zones. Most commonly people report headaches or dizziness when they first start wearing varifocals.

Most people adjust to their varifocals within a few days, but it can take some individuals a couple of weeks.

Although it might be tricky at first, it’s important to stick it out. The more you wear your glasses, the quicker your brain will get used to your new view of the world.

So, if you’re new to varifocal lenses, we hope this has helped explain everything you need to know!