How to Choose the Best Varifocal Lenses
How to select the best varifocal lenses for your needs and budget.
If you’ve found yourself constantly switching between different pairs of glasses to see clearly at all distances, varifocal lenses might just be the solution you’re looking for. However, they are not all created equal. How do you choose the best varifocal lenses to suit your needs? This will depend on your spectacle prescription, your lifestyle such as computer use and hobbies, how active you are and, of course, your budget.
What Are Varifocal Lenses?
Varifocal lenses (also known as progressive lenses) combine three prescriptions in one pair of glasses – for near, middle and distance vision. They are blended so there are no visible lines and they allow you to see clearly at all distances without the need for multiple pairs of spectacles.
So, they’re all the same?
Most definitely not. Each have their own features, benefits and drawbacks.
Different lenses have different sized areas for reading and intermediate zones so some are better for screen use, some better for reading, some for looking at distance. The clever curves in the centre of the lens blend into your distance prescription when you look off to the side. This blending causes distortion.
What do I get with budget lenses?
With basic, cheap lenses, the distortion can be quite severe and cause the sensation that things are moving when you move your head, like you’re at sea! Sometimes, the floor appears to be rising up to you. The narrow reading area means that you have to turn your head to keep whatever you want to read in the near vision zone of the lens.
With time, many people are able to get used to them and put up with these limitations. If they’ve never tried anything better, then they won’t know what they’re missing.
And what do I get with premium lenses.
The higher the quality of the varifocal then the fewer of these problems you will experience. With the premium lenses such as Seiko Prime there is no discernible distortion, a good wide area for close up and the same for intermediate vision such as computer screens or satnav in the car. With the best varifocal lenses you hardly know you’re wearing varifocals as they just feel natural.
Tailor made varifocals, such as Seiko Brilliance, are measured using sophisticated equipment to take into account the precise position that the fame sits on the face, the location of the eyes relative to the frame, the angle of the frame, the bow of the frame front and many other factors. We then consider lifestyle information to calculate the ideal position for the various areas of the lenses.
You can find out more about our Seiko lenses
What other factors are important.
If you spend all day at a computer screen then your visual needs will be very different to a bricklayer, a golfer or somebody who goes fly fishing.
Different frames have different fitting characteristics; the same frame will rest differently on different people’s faces. Think of the differences between a wraparound frame such as Oakleys and RayBan aviators.
We take all of this into account when recommending a brand of lens and, also when we are measuring the lenses.
Do I have to pay a fortune to be able to see clearly?
There is a “sweet spot” between meeting your visual needs and the cost of the lenses. For instance, if you have a budget of £X, there is a wide range of lenses available at that price. It is our job to find what you need from the lenses recommend the design of varifocal that best meets your needs and fits your budget.
Why Bellamy Eyecare Is the Best Place to Get Varifocal Lenses
Many patients come to us after struggling with varifocals from high street chains. Why? Because we do things differently:
- You’ll always see the same optician at each appointment.
- We take time to understand your specific needs, including work, hobbies, and visual challenges.
- Our frame styling experts help you choose glasses that fit your face and enhance your style.
Our expert team has decades of experience fitting varifocals – including for patients with complex vision needs.
Book Your Varifocal Consultation Today
Ready to find your perfect pair of varifocal lenses? Book an appointment with Bellamy Eyecare today for expert eye care that puts you first.