By the time they are 40, almost 80% of adults suffer from presbyopia, a normal age-condition that makes it more difficult to focus on objects up close. Over 2.2 billion people across the globe suffer from some type of vision impairment, with presbyopia being one of the leading causes, according to the World Health Organization. Presbyopia turns simple activities such as reading a book, texting on your phone, or using a computer into frustrating experiences without proper corrective eyewear.
Bifocal glasses were the most widespread solution for many years, but they carried a noticeable line running across the lens that made them less comfortable and less pleasing to look at. Varifocal glasses followed, which integrate several prescriptions into one lens with the transition between them being smooth. Varifocal glasses are now viewed as a contemporary solution for individuals who require assistance for near and distance vision without the need to switch from one pair of glasses to another.
If you are new to the world of varifocal glasses, this guide has all you will need to know: how they function, the advantages and disadvantages, how to get used to them, and whether or not they are the best option for you.
What Are Varifocal Glasses
Varifocal glasses, or progressive lenses, are custom-made lenses that enable the user to look at things clearly near or far. Unlike bifocals that have separate parts for near and far vision, varifocal glasses have a smooth graduation in between prescriptions.
The three functional zones divide the lens. The top section assists in distance vision, the middle section is for intermediate distances such as typing on a computer, and the bottom section assists in near vision like reading. The elegance in varifocal glasses is in their seamless blending, which makes them appear as ordinary glasses without any lines of demarcation.
This design makes it easier to cut down the number of glasses one has to carry. For an individual who drives, uses a laptop, and reads at night, varifocal glasses can present an all-in-one solution.
How Varifocal Glasses Work
The secret of varifocal spectacles is the progressive lens design. The lens power gradually alters from top to bottom. When you look directly ahead, your eyes naturally employ the top portion for distance. When your eyes droop a little, you employ the middle section for intermediate activities such as cooking or working on a desktop computer monitor. Looking down even further activates the reading section.
It requires precision engineering to make lenses where these regions come together smoothly. It has become more precise with the advent of modern digital lens technology, leaving less room for distortions inherent in earlier designs. The smooth change of power emulates the way the eyes focus naturally, allowing vision to become more comfortable with time.
Picture walking up a shallow incline rather than leaping between steps. That is the experience varifocal glasses are designed to offer.
Varifocal Glasses vs Bifocals: Main Differences
Most individuals mix up varifocal glasses with bifocals, but the two are very distinct. Bifocals have an obvious line running through the lens, typically in the bottom half, demarcating near vision and distance vision. Though good, the line tends to be distracting and contributes to the glasses appearing outdated.
Varifocal glasses eliminate this line altogether. They offer three areas of vision rather than two, making them more convenient for everyday activities. Your bifocal lens can assist you in reading and viewing things from a distance, but it will not do mid-range work like using a laptop. Varifocals fill the gap.
The other major difference is appearance. Because varifocals contain no lines, they appear just like regular glasses, which many prefer for looks.
Advantages of Varifocal Glasses
The most significant advantage of varifocal glasses is convenience. Rather than wearing several pairs of glasses to read, drive, and work on computers, you only wear one. This simplifies life, particularly for those who switch between jobs rapidly.
They also look more natural. Because there are no visible dividing lines, varifocals resemble regular single-vision glasses. For people who prefer a cleaner look, this matters.
Varifocals also provide smoother vision transitions. Moving your gaze from a book to your computer screen or from your dashboard to the road feels more fluid compared to switching between two distinct zones in bifocals.
Another benefit is long-term flexibility. Once your eyes become accustomed to varifocals, most individuals find them more comfortable than constantly changing between multiple glasses.
Challenges with Varifocal Glasses and How to Adjust
Varifocal glasses do have drawbacks. The most ubiquitous one is the transition period. For some, it’s a matter of a few days, for others several weeks. You can experience slight distortions on the periphery of the lens or difficulty in getting the right angle to see clearly during this period.
Practice is the key. Professionals advise moving your head instead of your eyes when changing between distances. For instance, when reading, tip your chin down a little to utilize the lower section of the lens. When driving, look forward straight to use the distance zone.
It is worth the wait. If vision is still uncomfortable after a few weeks, see your optician. Occasionally a small tweak in the lens shape or frame fitting will cure the problem.
Who Should Wear Varifocal Glasses
Varifocal glasses are ideal for those who suffer from presbyopia, an age-related condition that typically sets in after the age of 40. If you have to hold your phone away from you to read or constantly switch between reading glasses and distance glasses, varifocals can be the solution.
They are also ideal for professionals who work long hours at varying distances. Teachers, office workers, doctors, and drivers frequently find the versatility of varifocals useful.
But those with very particular vision requirements, e.g., really strong prescriptions, can be required to have special designs. Speaking with an eye care professional will see that you receive the proper solution for your way of life.
How to Select the Proper Varifocal Glasses
Selecting varifocal glasses is more than selecting frames. How well the lenses perform is crucial. High-quality lenses tend to provide larger areas of clear vision with fewer distortions.
Frame selection is also important. More in-depth frames offer greater room for the three vision areas, which can facilitate easier adaptation. Narrow or smaller frames can restrict lens design.
It also depends on lifestyle. If you are at a computer for most of the day, a varifocal lens designed for intermediate and near work might be more beneficial to you. If you are in a car a lot of the time, lenses offering improved distance vision might be preferable.
Your optician will take measurements of your pupil distance and frame fit for accuracy. An ill-fitting lens will produce discomfort, so proper fitting must be done.
Varifocal Glasses Price: Are They Worth the Cost
Varifocal glasses tend to be pricier than single-vision or bifocal glasses due to their intricate structure. The prices vary based on the quality of the lenses, the coatings, and the brand, but tend to fall in the medium to high range.
The question is whether they are worth the cost. For most individuals, the convenience of having one pair of glasses for everything trumps the extra expense. In time, you might even save money by not having to buy multiple pairs of glasses.
Moreover, more expensive lenses tend to last longer and are more comfortable. When weighed against convenience on a daily basis, the price tends to seem worthwhile.
Final Thoughts on Varifocal Glasses
Varifocal glasses are more than a vision aid. They are a practical answer for millions of individuals struggling with age-related changes in their vision. Through the combination of several prescriptions into one smooth lens, they minimize the use of multiple glasses and provide a more natural way of viewing.
While the adjustment period can feel challenging, most people adapt with practice and guidance. Once accustomed, the convenience and comfort often make varifocals the preferred choice over bifocals or single-vision glasses.
If you are reaching your forties or already navigating several pairs of glasses, then perhaps the time has come to have an exploration of varifocal possibilities with your optician. Spending money on the appropriate lenses can change not only the way you see, but how easily you navigate your day.
