The Truth About Varifocals
If you’re reading this, then the chances are you have already au fait with the concept of varifocals and perhaps you’ve also come across a few of the myths too.
But first things first, for those of you new to the concept here’s a quick guide to the ins and outs of varifocal lenses. Essentially, they are lenses with three viewing areas allowing you to see at three different distances – distance, intermediate and reading. So if you have prescriptions for both reading and distance, then varifocals would allow you to say goodbye to switching between two sets of glasses once and for all.
Brilliant, right? Yes, but a few myths are surrounding varifocal lenses that can put people off, so it’s high time we dispelled a few.
Varifocals make your eyes weaker. Not true. They simply correct multiple prescriptions at once – reading, intermediate and distance.
Varifocals make you cross-eyed. Not true.
You can’t drive in varifocals. Nope, not this one either. In fact, there are many varifocals designed specifically for driving.
It’s obvious that you are wearing varifocals. This one is false too. Unlike bifocals, varifocals do not have a visible line, and so they are very discreet and look like single vision lenses.
All varifocal lenses are the same. Where this one came from is anyone’s guess, but it is utterly incorrect. Varifocal lenses are bespoke and made to order. At Eye Academy we take up to 80 different measurements and, with the help of a lifestyle questionnaire, we design the perfect lens for each individual person.
Varifocals are hard to get used to. Try again. Some adjustment is necessary, and the experience is different for everybody. Some people instantly click, and others may take two to three weeks to get used to their new lenses. The better the lens, however, the easier it is to adapt because there is less distortion for you eyes to contend with.
Varifocals are only for old people. Not in a month of Sundays. It’s solely dependent on your visual needs, and so patients of any age may benefit from a varifocal prescription. At Eye Academy, our youngest varifocal patient is seven years old, and our oldest is 102.
You can’t wear contact lenses with varifocals. Wrong again. You could have multifocal contact lenses, or you could even wear reading glasses over contact lenses. There are many ways we can help you incorporate both contact lenses and glasses into your life.
Hopefully, that has put a few misunderstandings to bed once and for all. And if you’re interested in finding out more about varifocals, just drop into your nearest practice.