Varifocals or progressive lenses, as they are sometimes known, are recommended by your optometrist when you get to a point in your vision where you require prescription glasses for both near and far vision. This natural progression in vision, while it may be inconvenient, is perfectly normal with age and easily looked after and corrected by choosing a varifocal lens that will combine all distances in just one lens, therefore negating the need for separate distance and reading glasses.
Believe it or not, varifocal lenses have been around since the early 20th century but without doubt, the technology used to create them has improved dramatically over the years. Most of us in the Practice, of a certain age(!) wear varifocals and swear by them. Marie has even said they changed her life as she was forever misplacing and losing her reading glasses, at least two good pairs!
If you are at the point where you want to consider wearing varifocals you will need some time to get used to them. We 100% expect this and it is completely normal. You just must stick with the adaptation for the short term.
Getting used to varifocal glasses
Varifocal lenses are generally very easy to adapt to and we are very careful when taking the required measurements during the dispensing process. The initial difference in peripheral vision will probably need some slight changes to your head positioning and eye movements; with a little practice, you will adapt to this very quickly.
Position of varifocals – what distance is where in the lens?
- Top – you look through the top portion of the lens to view distant objects
- Bottom – you look through the lower portion of the lens to read
- Middle – an intermediate power range – a useful transition between both areas of viewing and for computer use.
As you become accustomed to the lens, these positions will become routine and feel natural.
Our four top tips to help you adjust quickly and comfortably:
- Do not swap between your new varifocals and any old glasses you may have.
- Wear your new varifocal glasses as much as possible (even if you’re not used to wearing glasses all the time). The more you wear them, the quicker you will get used to them.
- Turn your head to point in the direction of what you want to look at rather than just moving your eyes.
- Keep your chin up and drop your eyes down in the lens for close work e.g. reading, knitting, etc.
Any adaptation issues are usually overcome within the first couple of weeks, although getting used to new glasses, especially your first pair of varifocals can take up to a month. However, the freedom they will offer you in all aspects of your life is worth the bit of time it will take to get used to them. And we’re very lucky that our varifocal lens suppliers have continued their fantastic offer of complimentary providing a second set of varifocal lenses! Most of our clients choose to have their second pair of free varifocals as a sunglass, so no matter what the weather, whatever the occasion, whatever the hobby you can see whatever you need to see in one pair of glasses.
Call us today to ask us any questions you may have about the freedom of varifocals or to make an appointment for an eye examination to start your own varifocal journey!
Varifocals, for people of a certain age to give visual freedom from morning until night!