Glasses have evolved over the years from being just an optical tool when they originated to a multifunctional accessory today. From the function of eyesight correction to blue light protection, from UV protection to elimination of glare, glasses have a great utility today. And they are not just about function but also style, making them one of the most intimate fashion accessories.
One of the dominant reasons that make glasses multifunctional is the technological advancements and innovation that the eyewear industry has relied on from time to time. One such innovation is varifocal lenses. Here is all that you need to know about varifocal lenses. If after reading this, you think varifocals would suit you, set up an appointment with an optometrist near me to get an evaluation. Let’s start with a brief introduction.
Varifocals: A Scientific Brilliance!
Varifocal glasses are a modification of glasses with bifocals. We will discuss how the two of them vary, but before that it’s important that we get to know about varifocals.
By using a single pair of lenses, varifocal glasses provide eyesight correction for all distances. Both nearsightedness and farsightedness are catered to by the same pair. This is made possible by using three different visibility zones, which we will discuss next.
How Do Varifocals Work?
Varifocal lenses come with multiple focal points, each of these responsible for providing clarity of vision for different ranges of distance. Separate regions (visibility zones) are allocated on the lenses for near, intermediate and far distances. This is done in a smart manner to ensure that the wearers don’t have to adjust the glasses manually when they shift the focus of their eyes from one range of distance to the other.
Just like any new pair of glasses, the wearer might take some time to get adjusted to varifocal glasses. But once you are used to wearing them, these pairs will rest comfortably on your face without any need for you to adjust them manually.
When Do You Need Varifocals?
For those suffering from both nearsightedness and farsightedness, varifocal glasses are your ideal eyewear option as carrying separate pairs for both the conditions will be cumbersome and also impractical. By making a shift to varifocals, you will be ensured of eyesight correction for all your requirements with a single pair.
Varifocals glasses can be used as reading glasses by those diagnosed with presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition in which the lenses of the eyes lose their elasticity, which diminishes their ability to focus on nearby objects. In such a case, reading and focusing on things close up get difficult. This is when varifocal glasses can come to your rescue. Presbyopia is mainly observed in people above the age of 40.
Difference Between Varifocals And Bifocals
Since varifocals are an advancement of bifocals, there are bound to be differences between the two. Here they are!
The first major difference is the number of visibility zones that these two lenses employ. While the varifocal glasses come with three visibility zones – near, intermediate and far, glasses with bifocals lenses have two visibility zones – near and far. The extra intermediate zone used in varifocal lenses make the transition smoother when the wearers shift the focus of their eyes from an object placed far away to something nearby.
The second difference is related to the visual appeal of these two advanced lenses. In the case of bifocals, the boundaries dividing the visibility zones are visible to the naked eye, thereby compromising on their visual appeal. This is not the case in varifocals as the boundaries are not visible, imparting varifocals with a visual appeal like any other normal lenses.
Are Varifocals Expensive?
Well, there is no doubt that the prices of varifocal lenses are relatively higher than other types of lenses, but when you take their advanced function into consideration, it can be clearly made out that the prices are reasonable.
Effectively, varifocals are a 2-in-1 lens as they help you deal with both nearsightedness and farsightedness, and it is natural for their prices to be a little higher.
If you are looking for pocket-friendly pairs, it is recommended that you look for varifocal glasses over the internet. Without any compromise in quality, you can find relatively cheaper varifocal glasses here. The collection too is huge and comprehensive.
If you already have an existing pair of glasses, you can go for an affordable upgrade to varifocals by opting for the reglaze glasses service, wherein you can just have your lenses replaced and fitted into your existing frames. This can help you make incredible savings.
Best Frames For Varifocals
When it comes to varifocal lenses, while choosing the right frames, it is important for you to consider not only style but also function. Here are some of the frames that you can opt for to make the most out of your varifocal glasses and also look your absolute best.
Although you have many options to choose from, there are few you can avoid such as aviators and cat-eye as their shape might cut off the bottom portion of the prescription. The ones listed down below are the trending ones.
Oversized Frames
The bigger the frame, the wider the field of view. All three visibility zones can be accomodated comfortably into larger lenses. And this is exactly the reason why oversized frames are perfect for varifocal lenses.
To keep yourself updated with the trends, opt for metallic frames that have got both class and a vintage touch. You can also keep things easy going by styling thick acetate frames.
Round Frames
You just cannot doubt the versatility of round frames. They are good to go on all face shapes and occasions, and when it comes to varifocals, they are again a brilliant option.
The structure may be a simple circular one, but when looked in entirety with a pair of glasses it is indeed flattering. And if you are someone with angular facial features, round frames are exceptional for your face. The pairs that you can look out for include clear frame round glasses and also the timeless metal frames.
Wayfarers
Wayfarers are a great option for varifocal glasses as their box-like structure makes it possible for placing all three visibility zones at the right positions comfortably.
You can be assured of a sharp and bold visual appeal with wayfarers. The iconic thick black frames have still not lost the polished charm that they carry, making them a solid option. However, the room is wide open for you to experiment with the many variants of wayfarers.
Oval Frames
While there is not much difference between the structure of oval and round frames, when it comes to style, both of them have their own unique characteristics.
Oval frames have made a solid comeback in the fashion scene and they are a massive craze among fashion enthusiasts. The style that goes really well with oval frames is the tortoiseshell patterns, which brings about a contrasting visual appeal along with balance. To keep it bold, opt for chunky acetate frames.
Varifocal lenses are one of the smartest innovations in the eyewear industry. The fact that they are designed to address complicated problems makes them even more amazing.