Varifocal v Standard Lenses

JohnPT

It is being suggested that I now acquire Varifocals as up to now my distance sight has been reasonably ok and I have had glasses only for reading and close work but I now suffer from the on off syndrome.

It has been suggested to me that the reading portion may not give me the same magnification as single lenses and as such may still need reading glasses for reading and computer work.

Can anyone confirm that the reading portion of the lenses would be of the same prescription and magnification as single reading lenses.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

John

lolly5648

It would be better if you spoke to an optician who could advise you. I have varifocals and they work very well. I can read small print and see in the distance. It might take you a few days to get used to them

Running_Horse

I worked in optics for over 20 years and have never heard of "the on off syndrome". Can you elaborate? When you reach a certain age the eye muscles do not work as well (much like in your body), and you need help to focus for reading. The difference in power between distance and reading will increase with age.

If you have been tested and dispensed correctly, there is no reason the reading portion of varifocals will not match single vision lenses for power. The main difference is the reading area is quite small on varifocals, and you need to learn to move your head instead of your eyes, something that will come naturally very quickly.

As lolly said, you need to speak to an optician, preferably a qualified one, and not just a member of staff on minimum wages with a few days training. But we all want glasses as cheap as possible from the supermarket or Internet, so really good experienced dispensers are harder to find.

JohnPT

Many thanks, most helpful.

The term On/Offsyndrome was of my invention. Basically I have got to the point where I am taking the reading glasses off and on all the time. When not being worn being parked on the top of my head.

Thanks

Running_Horse

Oh I see. Got my slow head on today. Sleepless baby syndrome.

littlereddevil

I have had varifocals for a few years now and they are super for shopping etc. but I still need to have reading glasses for reading books,newspapers,computer etc. believe I have tried to read with the varifocals but it is no go for me. It is not my glasses as I have had different pairs from different opticians it is something to do with my eyes.

JohnPT

Thanks, it looks as if I am going to have the same problem. Some times it seems better than others.

pattycake

You should be able to read with the varifocals just as well as with single vision reading glassess. However, all varifocals are not the same. The cheaper lens have more distortion to the sides of the optical centre and the lens need to be fitted correctly into the frames to allow a decent reading plane.

I have worn varifocals for quite some time. They do take a bit of getting used to and you do need to persevere with them. I had two pairs for the price of one from a well known franchise operator (or alright, Specsavers). I asked for Rodenstock lenses as I knew they were the ones I was used to. I paid extra for those lenses but I later discovered when I went to another independent optometrist that they had used a cheaper Rodenstock lens and "chopped" the bottom section to fit into the small frames I had chosen. This meant that the reading section was reduced. The glasses were OK but when I was tired, it was harder to focus on the reading section.

I think that spectacles falls into the same category as lots of thing in life. You get what you pay for. To continue with a cliche - buy cheap - buy twice. IMHO.

littlereddevil

pattycake wrote: »

You should be able to read with the varifocals just as well as with single vision reading glassess. However, all varifocals are not the same. The cheaper lens have more distortion to the sides of the optical centre and the lens need to be fitted correctly into the frames to allow a decent reading plane.

I have worn varifocals for quite some time. They do take a bit of getting used to and you do need to persevere with them. I had two pairs for the price of one from a well known franchise operator (or alright, Specsavers). I asked for Rodenstock lenses as I knew they were the ones I was used to. I paid extra for those lenses but I later discovered when I went to another independent optometrist that they had used a cheaper Rodenstock lens and "chopped" the bottom section to fit into the small frames I had chosen. This meant that the reading section was reduced. The glasses were OK but when I was tired, it was harder to focus on the reading section.

I think that spectacles falls into the same category as lots of thing in life. You get what you pay for. To continue with a cliche - buy cheap - buy twice. IMHO.

I have the most expensive lenses you can buy and have tried large frames and small frames but there seems to be a problem with my eyes focusing with such a small section

sillyvixen

varifocals deal with both distance and reading in the same frame. reading area through a pair of varies is underthe size of a penny - even in the most expensive of lenses - you need to consider this, if you dont need much distance correction and only have your 'on/off syndrome' you may find varies very limiting. if you need distance and reading it is more easy to cope with! however if you do a lot of intese reading you may also need extra reading glasses - even if you need distance correction. varifocals are only a compramise and cant give you back the distance/near vision you once had (unfortunatly lost to age).

Running_Horse

The other alternative being bifocals with a large reading segment. Although less are sold nowadays for reasons of vanity. No one wants to admit being middle aged.