Top Tips for New Varifocal Lens Wearers

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, are a fantastic solution for people who need glasses for both distance and reading. Whether you’ve worn glasses for all of your life and are making the switch to varifocals or a first-time glasses user, adapting to varifocal lenses can require some time and patience. However, with the right guidance and a few helpful tips, the transition can be smooth and comfortable.

In this article, we’ll share the top tips for new varifocal lens wearers to ensure a seamless experience.

Consult with Your Optometrist

Before you start wearing varifocal lenses, it’s crucial to consult with your local opticians to determine if varifocal are the right solution for you in the first place. They can assess your specific vision needs, lifestyle, and any other factors that may influence the type of lenses that are best suited for you. A comprehensive eye exam will provide the necessary information to ensure you get the most suitable lenses for your unique requirements.

Here at Lesley Cree Opticians we have invested in an Optos Eye Scanner to provide the best in eye heath care for our patients. The Optos Monaco is currently one of only around 20 machines in the country, and combines both an OCT scan, and an ultra wide image of the retina known as an Optomap.

Understand the Basics of Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal lenses have three distinct zones to accommodate near, intermediate, and distant vision. The upper part of the lens is for distance vision, the middle portion for intermediate vision (such as computer screens), and the lower part for near vision (reading, texting, etc.). Familiarise yourself with these zones, and understand that it may take some time to adjust to looking through the correct part of the lens for different tasks.

There are many different types of varifocal lenses ranging from £150 for a pair up to around £450 for a pair of lenses. The premium designs will allow for much wider peripheral vision and less distortion at the edges of your lenses; meaning that it is much easier to feel comfortable in a better quality lens.

Give It Time

In some circumstances, adapting to varifocal lenses isn’t instantaneous. Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Initially, you may experience some distortion, but this will subside as your brain adapts to the new visual input.

Balancing while wearing varifocal lenses can be influenced during the initial adjustment period, but it typically improves over time as you adapt.

Keep Your Frame Size in Mind

The size and shape of your glasses frames can affect your comfort and visual performance with varifocal lenses. A larger frame typically offers a wider field of vision, which can make it easier to transition between different focal points. Consult with your Optician to select a frame that suits your face shape and vision needs.

Head posture and Eye Movement

One of the essential techniques for varifocal wearers is to learn how what eye movements and head posture is required in order to optimise your vision. For instance, when reading, it is important to lower your eyes rather than your head in order to look through the near vision zone. When looking into the distance it is important to try to keep your eyes in the centre of the lens and move your head so that your nose is pointing at whatever you are wanting to look at. This little tips will help you adapt to varifocals quicker.

Practice Makes Perfect

To speed up your adaptation to varifocal lenses, practice using them in various everyday scenarios. Reading, working on a computer, watching television, and driving are all activities that require different visual ranges. By consciously using your varifocals in these situations, you’ll become much more accustomed to using the correct part of the lens for each task.

Regularly Clean and Maintain Your Lenses

Keep your varifocal lenses clean to ensure optimal clarity. Clean them daily with a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to remove smudges, dirt, and dust. Proper maintenance will help you enjoy clear and comfortable vision.

Transitioning to varifocal lenses can be a rewarding experience, as they offer the convenience of clear vision at various distances in a single pair of glasses. By following these top tips for new varifocal lens wearers, you can make the adjustment period smoother and more enjoyable.

Remember to consult with your local opticians, practice good lens hygiene, and be patient as your brain adapts to this vision correction solution. With time and practice, varifocal lenses can enhance your daily life by providing clear vision at any distance.

If you have any issues with your vision, or you would like to know more about our services, please call us on 0115 933 2999 or email us and we would be delighted to help.