n TURNERS VISION

Why do people complain about their varifocals?

Finding glasses that better your vision at all distances is challenging. Most settle for the headache of switching between glasses for different needs. This is expensive and a hassle - having multiple frames gives you one more thing to worry about losing/breaking.

Varifocal lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are a great solution. These top-of-the-range lenses are suitable for near, intermediate and distance vision, meaning you have one pair to see in different environments by having different lens zones. For example, the top 3rd of the lens will be designed to see objects further away, the middle for intermediate viewings, with a seamless transition to the bottom 3rd for near vision. You can see any distance by moving your eyes between these points on the lens.

Why do people complain about varifocals?

- Adapting your eyes to these lenses can be challenging. Some struggle with distorted vision when looking through the wrong section of the lens for their needs at that moment in time.

- It can take several weeks to adjust.

- Varifocal lenses can be more expensive.

- They can cause headaches and dizziness initially.

- When reading with varifocals, you must maintain an unnatural position, keeping your head straight and looking down through the near vision part of the lens.

While that might sound bleak, there are many benefits, which is why they are so popular with glasses wearers.

The benefits of varifocals

- Money-saving - you only need one pair of all-purpose glasses.

- They can help with eye conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

- They’re customised to your eyesight, whether you choose Everyday Varifocal lenses for multi-distance viewing or Occupational Varifocal Lenses that are better tuned to your vision and the consistent environment you spend the most time in.

- There are no visible reading areas due to the graduated lenses

How to make varifocals work for you

There are a few tips I recommend to patients to help smooth the transition to varifocals:

- Keep changing your environment, this will get you used to looking through the different parts of the lenses. The more you do it, the quicker you’ll adapt.

- Talk to others who use varifocals, they can give you some tips on how they adjusted.

- Practice makes perfect - they may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will adjust. Carry a spare pair of your previous glasses in case of headaches and/or dizziness.

What are my thoughts on Varifocals?

Whether you are short, medium or long-sighted, varifocals prioritise your vision across all distances. Personally, I like them a lot. They can take some adjusting, but their convenience is unmatched. We offer personalised lenses to fit your exact prescription. To book an appointment, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434.