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Varifocal Lenses

Varifocals lenses are quite amazing and the technology behind them has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Varifocal lenses are great if you have different prescriptions for near and distance vision. They are split up into corridors, that gradually change from distance to intermediate and near vision, so all you have to do is look through a different area of the lens to focus clearly at any distance, without swapping to a different pair of glasses.

Varifocals combine three prescriptions into one lens, meaning you can see near, intermediate and far distances – so you don’t have to waste time, money and energy buying and using separate pairs of glasses for different distances.

Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal lenses are designed to help you see objects at all distances, and offer a smooth progression from long distance vision at the top of the lens, through intermediate distance in the middle portion, right through to very close objects at the bottom of the lens. Our varifocal lenses are manufactured using the latest ‘digital freeform’ lens technology and offer a wide field of vision at all distances.

We have 2 types of varifocal lenses – Premium HD varifocal and Ultra HD varifocal. Both are excellent quality lenses, and do the same job, but the Ultra HD offers a wider field of vision. Both come with standard anti-reflection coating with an option on both upgrade to the UltraClear anti-reflection coating.

Premium HD Varifocal

An excellent all round Varifocal lens suitable for everyday use. It provides a wide field of vision and comfortable progression between near vision and distance vision. Standard anti-reflection coating included.

Ultra HD Varifocal

Our best ever Varifocal lens designed to optimise all round comfort and vision. It provides a seamless transition between near, intermediate and distance vision, using the latest digital technology to minimise distortion at the lens edge. Standard anti-reflection coating included.

Office Varifocal

Our Office Varifocal is specifically designed for use at your computer. Providing excellent vision for intermediate (computer screen) and close reading. Perfect if you spend long hours in front of screens or work at a desk. Standard anti-reflection coating included.

Sounds too good to be true?
Varifocals are brilliant – but there are things you should be aware of. All varifocal lenses have an element of peripheral distortion, which is due to the way the lenses are designed, and is completely normal. Better quality (more expensive) lenses reduce this distortion, thus improving the field of vision and ease of use for wearers. It normally takes a few days, even a couple of weeks to completely get used to wearing varifocals from single vision glasses, this is quite normal. If however, you feel the vision just isn’t right, or they are making you dizzy, you should stop wearing them and contact us to discuss the problem.

If you are new to wearing varifocals – please note the following:

  • When you want to see objects at different distances, you will need to adjust your head and eye position so they are looking through the correct portion of the lens.
  • When looking up and down move your eyes not your head.
  • When looking from side to side move your head not your eyes.
  • All varifocal lenses have a narrower field of view for the intermediate and close portions when compared to the long distance portion, so there will be some blurring at the lens periphery. All levels of varifocal will have this to some extent, although the effects are less pronounced in higher-quality versions.
  • For tasks such as driving and watching television you will need to use the distance portion, which is located higher up in the lens. If you are looking straight ahead with a natural head position, you will be looking through this zone. When looking to the left and right you may need to turn your head and point your nose at what you want to see.
  • When using a computer or viewing the car dashboard you will need to use the intermediate portion, which is located slightly lower down in the lens than the distance part. You can find this by lifting the chin slightly while keeping your eyes fixed on what you are viewing.
  • If you are reading a book or looking at your watch you will need to use the reading portion, which is located lower down in the lens towards the bottom rim. To find this zone you will need to look downwards and lift your chin slightly.
  • Because varifocal lenses have a magnified reading portion at the bottom, you should be careful of stairs, kerbs, and other objects at your feet as these will appear blurry. We suggest tucking your chin into your chest so that you’re looking towards the less magnified top of the lens.
  • Driving in varifocals is perfectly safe. However, we recommend you first need to make sure you are comfortable wearing them indoors and have perfected the head movements needed to position the centre of the lens in the direction you want to look at.
  • If you are reading small print for an extended period, we sometimes recommend using a pair of reading glasses rather than varifocals.
  • Due to the adaptation period needed, we offer a guarantee of up to 14 days to give you the best possible chance of getting used to the lenses. You can return them within 14 days if you are not satisfied with them for a refund or exchange.

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