Varifocals, also called progressive lenses, correct your vision at different distances in one pair of glasses. The top of the lens is set for distance, the bottom for reading, and the strength changes gradually in between, with no visible line.
Most people consider varifocals from their forties onwards, when the eye's natural lens stiffens and close-up focusing becomes harder. This is called presbyopia. The College of Optometrists says that if you already need glasses for distance, you may then need separate distance and reading glasses, or bifocals or varifocals so you do not have to keep swapping.
Varifocals, bifocals and reading glasses compared
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Reading glasses | One strength for close work | Need taking off to see across a room. Ready-made pairs are for reading only and not suitable for driving |
| Single vision distance and reading pairs | Two separate pairs of glasses | Simple lenses, but you swap pairs through the day |
| Bifocals | Two strengths, split by a visible line | The NHS describes them as lenses with two distinct optical powers |
| Varifocals | Strength changes gradually from top to bottom | Covers middle distance too, such as a computer screen or car dashboard |
Who varifocals suit
Your optometrist will advise after your eye test. Varifocals often suit people who:
- Need help with both distance and close-up vision
- Find themselves swapping between distance and reading glasses through the day
- Want one pair that also covers middle distances, such as a laptop or a shop shelf
Getting used to varifocals
Your dispensing optician will take careful measurements so the lens zones line up with your eyes. Many people take a little time to adjust. These tips can help:
- Wear them as much as you can at first rather than switching back to old glasses
- Point your nose at what you want to see and move your head, not just your eyes
- Look down through the bottom of the lens to read, and lower your chin a little for stairs and kerbs
- Take care on stairs until you are used to them
- If things still feel wrong after a couple of weeks, go back to your optician. The fit or measurements may need adjusting
Varifocal contact lenses
Varifocal and bifocal contact lenses are available too. The College of Optometrists notes that correcting presbyopia with contact lenses is more complicated than with glasses. Other options include monovision, where one eye is set for distance and the other for near, or distance lenses with reading glasses over the top.
Cost and NHS help
Varifocals usually cost more than single vision lenses, and prices vary widely with the lens design and coatings you choose. Most opticians, including Boots Opticians, Specsavers and Vision Express, offer varifocals at several price points, so ask what is included before you buy. If you qualify for an NHS optical voucher, you can use it towards the cost of your glasses.
