A guide to wearing varifocals

A guide to varifocals

Varifocal lenses. Multifocals. Progressive lenses. They are known by many names, and do many things.

The varifocal lens is a marvellous work of optical technology that allows for up to three prescriptions in a single lens. This means they can correct your near, intermediate, and distance vision, all without the need to change your specs.

This is a complex area of optics, and can be tricky to get your head around. This guide will give you a better understanding of the technical brilliance of varifocals.

Your eyes are magnificent. Treat them accordingly.

What are varifocal lenses for?

The lens in our eye is ﬂexible and adjusts its focus when we look at objects at diﬀerent distances. As we age, the lens stiffens and our ability to change focus is reduced. It becomes harder to focus on near objects, making reading difficult. This is called Presbyopia. Fortunately, we can correct it in a number of ways.

Single vision reading lenses will offer great vision for reading and close work. They’re extremely easy to adapt to and offer the best vision for people simply looking to wear glasses for reading. However, they can’t be used for distance vision, so another pair of single vision glasses is necessary for activities such as driving or watching television. Single vision reading glasses also often do not allow you to see intermediate distances such as your computer clearly, and you may require a third single vision pair for this.

Varifocal lenses combine distance, near and intermediate prescriptions in a single lens, meaning the wearer can change focus from objects near to distant simply by moving their eyes, without having to change their spectacles.

It's often when reading that you'll first notice you might require varifocal lenses

What type of varifocals do you offer?

Every varifocal wearer is different, and the correct choice of lens will be dependent on how you use your spectacles.

We offer three types of varifocal lenses: Everyday, Advanced and Bespoke. All lenses include DuraVision® coatings as standard, with greater transparency, the latest anti-reflection technology, and outstanding scratch resistance. This includes full UV protection in the clear form, enhanced scratch resistance, antistatic features that prevent excessive smudging from water, dust, or oil, as well as an anti-reflective coating.

We also offer various add-ons including extra thinning starting at an extra £50, photochromic lenses that cost an extra £100, or blue light filter that costs an extra £50

Varifocals require precise measurements which influence where the lens will sit in relation to your eyes, and so can only be ordered in our stores.

Our varifocal lenses are provided by ZEISS, the highest quality lenses.

This is our most popular choice and provides excellent clarity of vision at distance and near levels for sustained use across different distances. Using the latest technology, this lens is adapted to your unique face shape, to ensure superior clarity of vision. With an optimised corridor of vision, this lens will be suitable for longer periods of reading, without eye strain.

Lens available in store for +£350, not including frame.

A truly remarkable lens offering superb clarity of vision that is tailored to you. Specially designed to meet the vision needs of people with presbyopia with a connected and on-the-move lifestyle. Zeiss SmartLife Individual lenses address each individual’s unique pattern of vision; encompassing optics, visual habits, and lifestyle to provide the ultimate in personalised vision.

Lens available in store for +£525, not including frame.

How do varifocals work?

Near

Middle

Distance

Wearing your varifocal lenses as much as possible will help you to adapt more quickly

How do I use varifocals?

Varifocals require a bit of training. Your eyes need to adapt to different planes of corrected vision. You will see through the different prescriptions contained in your varifocals according to the movement of your eyes.

When you first receive your magnificent spectacles, wear them as often as possible without swapping. This will help you adjust much faster.

Move your head to point in the direction of what you are looking at. This will mean you are looking through the correct part of the lens, ensuring clarity of vision. For reading or close work, move your eyes to look through the bottom of the lens.

It’s also important to be patient with varifocals. Some people can adapt in a few days, for others it may take up to a month. The important thing is to wear your magnificent new spectacles as much as possible as this will help you adjust much faster. The bottom of the lens can make objects appear magnified so It's important to take care when using stairs or walking on uneven surfaces during this adaptation period.

If you find that you're still not getting on well with your varifocals, we'd recommend dropping by any store so the team can take a look.