Varifocal lenses gradually increase the lens strength at the top of the lens and decrease it at the bottom. Unlike bifocals, varifocal lenses have progressive zones of strength, as opposed to zones of strength divided into zones.
Varifocals eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses due to the absence of a dividing line.
You look through varifocals in different ways depending on what you want to see. Whenever you look into the distance, you see through the top of the lens. Keep your eyes focused on the object as it gets closer by slowly moving them lower. Looking through the bottom of the lens will give you the best close-up focus.
You may run into a few problems as you become accustomed to your varifocal glasses. These are completely normal and will disappear as soon as you become used to them.
Common problems with varifocal glasses
The most common complaint about varifocal glasses is that they make it difficult for people to focus on what they need to. As a result of losing focus, headaches and dizziness commonly occur while performing tasks such as climbing the stairs, which require quick changes in near and middle distance focus.
There are some people who experience a feeling of “swimming” when they are walking. It is the result of paying attention to the distortions in your peripheral vision as well as the reading portion at the lower part of your lenses.
The best way to compensate for this is to prevent yourself from looking downward as you walk. It is also possible to experience soft focus at the lens edges and to need to move your head more to see near objects clearly.
How long does it take to get used to varifocal glasses?
Whenever you purchase a new pair of spectacles, you will have to get used to them. Some people need only a few days to adapt to new glasses, while others may need up to two weeks.
Therefore, it is perfectly normal to only see the frame rim of your glasses when you first put them on. The visual cortex in the brain is responsible for this. However, it must first adjust to the new, much better visual environment.
People who have been prescribed lenses that are different from before, like varifocals, may also experience this issue. Remember that you need time to let your brain adjust to your revised view of the world. Adapting to varifocal glasses is a process that varies from person to person, but most people get used to them after two weeks. It is important for your eyes to adjust to your varifocal glasses so that you continue to wear them consistently.
Varifocal Glasses Advice
To help you adjust to varifocal glasses, we offer the following three tips.
- Stick at it!
Wearing varifocals on a regular basis, as well as letting your brain get used to them over time, is the best way for you to adjust to wearing them. Don’t rush into it. Take your time.
2. Mix up your routine
A common accident that occurs when people are getting used to varifocal lenses is tripping. Their eyes are not paying close enough attention. We don’t need to look properly when we go through the same old routines.
As you get used to your new lenses, however, your peripheral vision is somewhat compromised. Because of this, people are tripping on their own doorstep for the first time.
Don’t be afraid to change up your routine. Go around the shops instead of the same route to work. Even a small change of route keeps your brain active and prevents you from tripping.
3. Get advice
You shouldn’t feel bad about asking for help if you’re having trouble. Consult friends and relatives who wear varifocals and see what works for them. You can also ask your optometrist. Our goal is to make sure your varifocals give you the vision and satisfaction you deserve.
98% of varifocal glasses users adapt to their new glasses easily
The brain and the eyes can learn to adapt to varifocal glasses, all you need is a little bit of practice and patience to make it happen. Please visit your local Eyesite branch today if you are experiencing presbyopia and would like more information on varifocal glasses.
One of our experts can help you.
