[Misc] Varifocal glasses

[happypig]

Had an eye test today and the opthalm..optol..octoph.. eye lady suggested that as I have to swap glasses to use the laptop or phone I should give varifocals a try.

What do others think of them ?

 

[Driver8]

Takes a few days to get used to them but don’t give up!

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Had an eye test today and the opthalm..optol..octoph.. eye lady suggested that as I have to swap glasses to use the laptop or phone I should give varifocals a try.

What do others think of them ?

Love them.

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

Pay for the better lenses, varifocal, if you can, much easier to use

 

[Binney on acid]

Wouldn't be without them.

 

[East Staffs Gull]

Takes a few days to get used to them but don’t give up!

That’s a very shortsighted view.

 

[The Wookiee]

I wear them. As others have said, they take a while getting used to, especially if you like laying on the sofa watching TV whilst browsing your phone !

 

[A mex eyecan]

Totally agree, they take a fair bit of getting used to but when achieved they make life much simpler.
However, I still hate using them for driving. Fortunately my long vision is good so don’t have to rely on them for that.

 

[Elbow750]

I've had them for years. Pay the extra for the more expensive 'wider field of vision' lens, its well worth it.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

After repeated eye tests last year I was told I needed reading, intermediate and ‘TV’ glasses for the first time, didn’t fancy varifocals so just got the intermediate and TV ones as the reading prescription felt far too strong and just read at arms length with the weaker intermediates and somehow my eyes adapted (not really possible I know) so for the last year I’ve used the intermediates for both close up and arm’s length screen work with no issue.

The moral - avoid using Vision Express if possible.

 

[METALMICKY]

Pay for the better lenses, varifocal, if you can, much easier to use

Absolutely this!!

Anyone I know who says they didn't get on with them it was invariably because they went cheap. With varifocal lenses you most definitely get what you pay for. In particular you'll have minimal distortions at the edges of the lenses.

Also be wary of who fits them as it's a skilled task. Don't get the Saturday person and avoid Specsavers.

When choosing frames you need to be mindful that you need a reasonable height in the lens frame area. A good optician should advise if a particular frame might look nice but would be unsuitable for a varifocal lenses.

I converted to varifocals about 6 years ago and had no issues adapting.

 

[bluenitsuj]

Had an eye test today and the opthalm..optol..octoph.. eye lady suggested that as I have to swap glasses to use the laptop or phone I should give varifocals a try.

What do others think of them ?

I have tried twice and just cannot get on with them. They were not cheap.
Avoid specsavers if you can.
I know I will need to get used to them at some point and purchase a pair.

 

[PascalGroß Tips]

I’ve worn varifocal glasses for a number of years. Saw my independent optician in Brighton towards the end of 2023 (been with them for 25 years or so) and needed new lenses. I’ve always had the highest quality lenses which have taken no time at all to get used to. But I winced when they wanted over £600 - and that was reusing my existing frame. I do have transition lenses - which are fantastic when it comes to protection against UV light - but they do add to the cost.

So I looked online and came across https://lensology.co.uk/pricing/varifocal-lenses/#best

After exchanging a few messages with them I took the plunge and was glad I did. I went for their top of range lenses and have been very happy with them. I even sent another frame I had single vision lenses in to get them changed to varifocals. Both cost less than the one I would have got from my optician. These are the lenses I went for, plus I added transitions for another £40.

 

[AmexRuislip]

Had an eye test today and the opthalm..optol..octoph.. eye lady suggested that as I have to swap glasses to use the laptop or phone I should give varifocals a try.

What do others think of them ?

Who said that ...

 

[happypig]

avoid Specsavers.

Avoid specsavers if you can.

Why avoid Specsavers ?

 

[Coldeanseagull]

Why avoid Specsavers ?

Can't see that happening

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

After repeated eye tests last year I was told I needed reading, intermediate and ‘TV’ glasses for the first time, didn’t fancy varifocals so just got the intermediate and TV ones as the reading prescription felt far too strong and just read at arms length with the weaker intermediates and somehow my eyes adapted (not really possible I know) so for the last year I’ve used the intermediates for both close up and arm’s length screen work with no issue.

The moral - avoid using Vision Express if possible.

I have expensive glasses from an independent in Canterbury. But I have some cheapo spares using my prescription 'just in case'. Now I have learned to not sit on my spectacles, this has become a pointless exercise.

Get the most expensive lenses you can afford. Coated to reduce scratching. But not f***ing tinted or light reactive, unless you are Joe f***ing 90.

 

[Giraffe]

Took a few weeks to get used to but after that I’ve loved them. Wouldn’t go back. My recommendation is give yourself a month. My sister tried them and jumped ship after one week. Too early. Your eyes need time to adjust but you’ll get there.

 

[PascalGroß Tips]

I have expensive glasses from an independent in Canterbury. But I have some cheapo spares using my prescription 'just in case'. Now I have learned to not sit on my spectacles, this has become a pointless exercise.

Get the most expensive lenses you can afford. Coated to reduce scratching. But not f***ing tinted or light reactive, unless you are Joe f***ing 90.

I love my transitions I don’t need to take sunglasses on holiday anymore

 

[Creaky]

Had varifocals for years until I had three vertebrae in my neck fused following a break. I lost a lot of flexibility in my neck and found it either impossible or painful to move my head in order to focus sometimes.

Changed to bifocals and all is well. Not the same range of focal distances but more than adequate 99% of the time - especially when driving, dashboard stays in focus whilst distance focussing remains constant both at the periphery and height without constantly having to move the head.