The purpose of this article is to explain everything about varifocal lenses, their origins, types, and pros and cons of using them.

Definitions & origins

In a single lens, varifocal lenses provide continuous vision across all distances and correct presbyopia. In the early 20th century, the first patent was granted for varifocal lenses (also known as Progressive Power Lenses or PPLs). A few decades later, however, they were introduced to the public by Irving Ripps at Younger Optical, who developed the ‘Younger Seamless Bifocal’, a bifocal lens with a basic design. They were, as their name suggests, based on a bifocal lens. Varifocal lenses offer three ‘portions’ of vision within a single lens: Long distance at the top, reading at the bottom, and intermediate in the middle It is completely normal for varifocals to have a slight peripheral distortion due to their design. Higher quality varifocals manage the distortion more effectively by moving it toward the edge of the lens, as well as providing a greater field of vision and greater ease of use for the wearer. A basic varifocal design is often described as ‘one size fits all’ due to the assumption that a prescription is only spherical. Due to this, people with stronger prescriptions, especially those with high astigmatism, may have difficulty adapting to basic varifocals. Due to computer-aided design and digital manufacturing processes, modern ‘freeform’ lens designs offer a much more personalised and tailored experience.

Varifocal lenses: Pros & Cons

Varifocal lenses have the advantage of enabling the wearer to see clearly at a variety of distances using the same pair of glasses. Most people find that they are the most convenient method of resolving the problem of requiring different corrections for long distance, intermediate distance, and near distance. Once the glasses are on there is no need to take them off, carry more than one pair around or switch between pairs.

Many people, however, find it difficult to see through the correct parts of the lens for different distances due to blurring of images at the periphery of the lens, limited fields of vision, and head movements necessary to see through the correct parts of the lens. It may take some time for new wearers to adjust to varifocal lenses, but most adapt to them after a few days.

First-time varifocal lens wearers

It will take some time for you to become accustomed to varifocal lenses if this is your first time. This can take anywhere between a few days and two weeks – or even longer for some people.

Here are some things to be aware of when wearing varifocals for the first time:

• If you intend to use the distance portion at the top of the lens for activities such as driving or watching television, you should look straight ahead with your natural head position. If you wish to view left or right, you will need to turn your head.

• For activities such as viewing a computer screen or car dashboard, lift your chin slightly while keeping your eyes fixed on what you are viewing.

• If you wish to use the reading portion at the bottom of the lens for activities such as reading a book or newspaper, look downwards and lift your chin slightly.

• A varifocal has a narrower field of vision in the intermediate and close portions than it does in the long-distance portion, although this varies according to the lens quality.

• When viewing objects at different distances, you will need to adjust your head and eye position.

• Because of the magnified reading portion around the bottom of the lens, be careful around stairs, kerbs and anything around your feet, as they will appear blurry when viewed through the lens. We suggest tucking your chin into your chest so that you are viewing through the less magnified top part of the lens.

• Before driving with varifocals, make sure that you are comfortable with your head movements and that you are able to center the lens in the direction you wish to view.

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Having worn varifocal lenses previously

It is important for you to know what to expect and how to use varifocal lenses if you have previously worn them. However, there are many suppliers of varifocal lenses, and the exact design we use may differ from the lens you currently wear. As a result, you may experience some adjustment periods as you adjust to your new lenses. It may also take some time to adjust to a change in your prescription.

Make sure you are comfortable wearing your varifocals indoors before driving in them. When you first adjust to your new varifocals, be careful of stairs, kerbs, and other objects at your feet.