Varifocal lenses allow you to see at any distance, because they have different sections for viewing close up and far away and everything in between. So whether you’re driving, using a computer, shopping or reading, you can wear one pair of varifocals to accommodate all your vision needs.
What are varifocals?
These are multi-focal lenses that correct vision at different working distances, from reading distance to far distance. Unlike bifocals, they have a gradual change in prescription and don’t have visible lines that separate the zones, so they look just the same as single-vision lenses.
The distance vision part of the lens is usually in front of the pupil, with the near vision part in the lower section of the lenses.
How do varifocals work?
Varifocal lenses work by changing power from the top to the bottom of the lens. Moving your eyes up and down the lens will give you clear vision at all the distances you need. This means if you are using a cash machine you would be able to view the keys, screen, your card and then continue to walk down the street.
At Specsavers, we use Digital Precision Eyecare to find your unique measurements. This allows our experts to see exactly where to position the lens zones you require for your different vision types, as well as finding the right type of varifocals for your chosen frame.
Browse our range of multifocal contact lenses online, a great solution for when glasses aren’t suitable
Types of varifocal lenses
There are lots of varifocal lenses offering various features depending on your lifestyle and prescription.
At Specsavers we offer six types of varifocal lenses: Standard, Premium, Elite, Tailor-made, SuperDrive and SuperDigital. Your optician will talk you through all the options to see which one suits you best.
Standard varifocal lenses - €55
Easy to adapt to, they have clear vision at distance, intermediate and close-up, but there is some soft focus at the edge of your vision.
Noticed a recent change in your vision or thinking about varifocals?
Who are varifocals suitable for?
Presbyopia
As we get older, we’ll start to find it more and more difficult to read or focus on things that are close up. This is called presbyopia and is a perfectly normal part of ageing. Most people become aware of presbyopia when they start holding their phone or books further away in order to see it clearly. Presbyopia will start to happen around the age of 40. If this sounds familiar, and you already wear glasses, it might be time for an eye test and to maybe give multi-vision or reading glasses a go. The multi-vision glasses options include occupational, varifocal or bifocal glasses.
Customers with multiple prescriptions
If you have prescriptions for distance, reading and the area in between (known as intermediate vision), then varifocals or occupational lenses could be for you. However, if you don’t need help with your intermediate vision but you have prescriptions for distance vision and reading, then bifocal glasses could be more suitable. Our experts in store will help you to choose the right lenses.
Hobbies and interests
If you have hobbies or interests that require great vision at a specific distance, our Near and Far varifocals can be customised to make those areas wider for you. Ask our lens experts in store for more information.