A Guide To Varifocals
With the perfect pair of varifocals, you'll never have to switch up or bring your additional glasses along ever again! You should never have to juggle your glasses just because your eyes can't adjust to distance entirely… consider opting for glasses that do all the hard work for you! Here’s everything you should know about varifocals…
What Are Varifocals?
Varifocals, also called progressive lenses, let you see near, mid range and distance with one pair of glasses. Unlike bifocals, there is no visible line between prescriptions. The lens power changes gradually, so you can switch focus without swapping glasses.
How Do Varifocals Work?
Varifocals use a progressive prescription. The top part is for distance, the middle is for intermediate vision like computer work and the bottom is for near tasks like reading. Your optometrist determines the correct power you need at every level of the lens, then those powers are built into the shape of the lens surface, so your eyes can move naturally to the right area as you look up or down.
Benefits Of Varifocals
• Convenience: One pair covers reading, computer use and distance, so you do not need multiple pairs of glasses.
• Smooth Transition: The power changes gradually, which reduces the need to tilt your head to find the right focus.
• Cosmetic Appeal: There are no lines, so they look like standard glasses rather than bifocals.
• Versatility: Clear vision for everyday tasks across different distances, from screens and books to walking around and driving.
Disadvantages Of Varifocals
• Adaptation: While it might take a little time to adjust to varifocals, especially as distances may be misjudged and accidents may occur, most people find the adaptation period relatively short. Your brain quickly learns to instinctively adjust your gaze to the right part of the lens for the task at hand.
• Not recommended for people who suffer from dizziness or balance issues, such as vertigo, as they can increase these sensations.
Choosing The Right Varifocals
It's important to consult with an experienced optometrist who will take precise measurements and customise the lenses to your individual prescription and visual requirements. Varifocal lenses can be personalised to your lifestyle, ensuring that they provide optimal vision whether you spend a lot of time on the computer, engage in outdoor activities or perform a lot of work that is close to.
Caring For Varifocals
It's essential to properly care for your varifocal lenses. You should avoid exposing varifocal lenses to extreme temperatures, as this can affect the lens coatings and overall performance. It is also advised to clean your lenses regularly using a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges and scratches and store your glasses in a protective case when you're not wearing them to prevent accidental damage.
If you find yourself squinting more to see things up close, holding a menu etc, further away so that you can see clearly, or switching your regular glasses for reading glasses, it may be time to speak to your optometrist about varifocal lenses. Why bother with two pairs of glasses when you can read and drive with the same pair?
