What are varifocals? How they work, cost and getting used to them

Varifocals are glasses that let you see clearly at every distance through one pair of lenses: far away at the top, arm's length (like a computer screen) in the middle, and close up for reading at the bottom. There are no visible lines, and you don't need to swap between distance and reading glasses.

Who needs varifocals?

From our 40s onwards, the lens inside the eye gradually loses its ability to focus up close. This is called presbyopia and it happens to everyone. If you already need glasses for distance and now find yourself holding your phone further away to read it, varifocals let one pair do both jobs.

How do varifocal lenses work?

A varifocal lens changes power gradually from top to bottom:

• Top: your distance prescription, for driving, TV and walking about
• Middle: a narrow corridor for intermediate distances, such as a computer, your car dashboard or a menu on the table
• Bottom: your reading prescription

You move your eyes, and sometimes tilt your head slightly, to look through the right part of the lens. The edges at the sides are slightly blurred. That's normal, and better-quality lenses make this area smaller, which is why more advanced designs feel more natural.

Varifocals vs bifocals

Bifocals have a visible line with two zones, distance and reading, and nothing in between. Varifocals have no line and include the in-between distance, which matters for screens. Most people who try modern varifocals prefer them.

How much are varifocals?

Prices depend mostly on the lens design. At Direct Vision:

• Standard varifocals from £125, with 1.6 index lenses and anti-glare included
• Zeiss varifocals from £250, with free Zeiss Photofusion, lenses that darken in sunlight, on all Zeiss varifocals
• If you have a private eye test with us and buy varifocals, the £30 test fee comes off your glasses
• Second pair half price on all private complete pairs

See all the options on our varifocals page and our prices page.

How long does it take to get used to varifocals?

Most people settle in within one to two weeks, often within a few days. A few tips help:

• Wear them full time from the start rather than switching back to old glasses
• Point your nose at what you want to see and turn your head, rather than just your eyes, when looking to the side
• Lower your eyes, not your head, to read
• Take care on stairs and kerbs at first. Tilt your head down a little so you look through the top of the lens
• Move your screen slightly lower, so you can look at it through the middle of the lens without tilting your head back

Accurate measurements make the biggest difference to how quickly varifocals feel natural. We take them in practice when you choose your frames, and if anything doesn't feel right after a couple of weeks, come back and we'll check them.

Can you get varifocal contact lenses?

Yes. Multifocal contact lenses work on a similar idea and suit many people, especially for sport or occasional wear. Ask about them at your eye test, or see our contact lenses page.

Not sure which varifocal is right for you?

Book a free 15-minute lens consultation and we'll talk through your prescription, what you use your eyes for and your budget. Or call Great Barr on 0121 325 0665 or Sheldon on 0121 742 9599.