Bifocals vs Varifocals

When we reach middle age our eyes undergo changes that lead to us requiring different lens prescriptions for different tasks. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the choice of lenses available for these different prescriptions and what would be a suitable choice for the individual and their lifestyle. Your optician will advise you on this and here is quick guide to help you.
Bifocals and varifocals are recommended when it is inconvenient to use separate spectacles for different visual tasks. Single vision lenses will give you the widest field of vision but can be annoying if you need to see clearly at different distances and have to keep swapping your glasses.

What is the difference between bifocals and varifocals?

BIFOCALS allow for two prescriptions in one lens – usually the top part is for distance and the bottom for close work. There are other options, for example, some have their intermediate or computer power in the top half and the reading in the bottom. Bifocals offer wide areas of clear vision in both parts and as we naturally look down and inward when looking at close objects, use of this type of lens can feel natural. The main downside of these lenses is that the line dividing the lens powers is visible and can cause a jump effect when swapping from one section to the other. It may take a while to adjust to this and care must be taken when using steps. Another disadvantage of this type of lens is if you need to look at close up objects above eye level, eg. a label on a supermarket shelf. Also they only give clear vision at the two focal ranges and often people need to be able to focus on distance, intermediate and closer points and this is where a varifocal may be a better option.

Can I buy bifocals or varifocals online?

We do sell bifocal and varifocal lenses online but only if you have successfully worn bifocals and varifocals before and your optician has recommended them for this prescription. If you contact us we can discuss your lens options and tell you the additional cost. We would advise you to purchase the frame only first of all, this way you can try it on and make sure that it is the style you are looking for. Once you are happy with the frame style and fit we would ask you to take a photo of yourself wearing the specs – you will need to be as straight and level to the camera lens as possible. Someone else can take the photo for you, or you can alternatively use a self-timer if you have one on your device. You would need to email this image to us and we can then work out where the lenses would need to be glazed into the frame. Once the photo has been done you can then send the frame back to us using the address on the top of the receipt sent with your order. Please use your order number as the first line of the return address. Once we have the frame back we can order your new lenses. We will send you a link so that you can pay the extra amount due for your bifocal/varifocal lenses through our secure checkout. Once we receive your lenses we will put them into your chosen frame and get your completed glasses posted out to you.