If you're taking your glasses on and off to read your phone, or juggling two pairs, varifocals could make life much easier. One pair of glasses handles distance, screens and reading, with no visible line across the lens.
This guide explains how varifocals work, how they compare to bifocals and reading glasses, what affects the price, and how to get used to them quickly.
How do varifocal lenses work?
A varifocal (also called a progressive lens) changes strength gradually from the top to the bottom of the lens:
- Top: distance vision, for driving, walking and watching TV.
- Middle: intermediate vision, for computer screens and the car dashboard.
- Bottom: near vision, for reading, your phone and close work.
You change focus by moving your eyes up or down, or tilting your head slightly. Because the change in strength is smooth, there's no line on the lens and no sudden "jump" in vision.
You'll usually need varifocals if your prescription has an ADD value. Not sure? Read our guide on how to read your glasses prescription.
Varifocals vs bifocals vs reading glasses
|
|
Varifocals |
Bifocals |
Reading glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Distances covered |
Distance, intermediate and near |
Distance and near |
Near only |
|
Visible line on lens |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Good for screens |
Yes |
Limited |
Only close screens |
|
Time to adapt |
1–2 weeks for most people |
A few days |
None |
|
Best for |
Anyone who wants one pair for everything |
People who find varifocals hard to adapt to |
People with clear distance vision who only need help reading |
For most people over 45 who need help with both distance and reading, varifocals are the most convenient choice.
Types of varifocal lenses
Not all varifocals are the same. The main difference is how wide the clear zones are, especially the middle and reading areas.
- Standard varifocals: the most affordable option. Clear vision at all distances, but the reading and intermediate zones are narrower, with more blur at the edges.
- Premium varifocals: wider, smoother zones and less blur at the sides. Easier to adapt to, and better if you spend a lot of time reading or on a computer.
- Office or occupational lenses: designed for desk work, with a large intermediate and near zone and limited distance vision. Ideal as a second pair for the office, not for driving.
Choosing frames for varifocals
The frame matters more with varifocals than with any other lens, because the lens needs enough height to fit all three zones.
- Choose a frame at least 30mm deep (lens height). Very shallow frames squeeze the reading zone.
- Full-rim frames work best, especially with stronger prescriptions. Semi-rimless frames also work well.
- Make sure the frame sits securely and doesn't slide down your nose. If it moves, the zones move with it.
- Rectangular, square and oval shapes are all good choices. Avoid very narrow "slim line" styles.
Our Oakley prescription frames and many of our budget frames have plenty of depth for varifocal lenses.
What affects the cost of varifocals?
- Lens design: premium varifocals cost more than standard ones.
- Lens thickness: stronger prescriptions may need thinner, high-index lenses.
- Coatings: anti-glare, blue light filters and scratch-resistant coatings each add to the price.
- Tints: photochromic (light-reactive) or sun tints cost extra.
- The frame: budget frames keep the total down; designer frames add to it.
If you're eligible for an NHS optical voucher, you can use it towards varifocals at Specsmart.
Buying varifocals online: what you'll need
- An up-to-date prescription with your ADD value. No prescription? Book a free eye test.
- Your PD, ideally dual PD. Here's how to measure your PD at home.
- Your fitting height: the distance from the centre of your pupil to the bottom of the lens, in the frame you've chosen. This places the reading zone correctly. It's best measured by an optician, and our team can help.
Already have a frame you love? You can reglaze it with varifocal lenses instead of buying a new pair.
How to get used to varifocals
Most people adapt within one to two weeks. These tips make it faster:
- Wear them all day from day one. Switching back to old glasses slows adaptation.
- Point your nose at what you want to see. Turn your head, not just your eyes, especially when looking to the side.
- Drop your eyes, not your head, to read. Look down through the bottom of the lens while keeping your head fairly level.
- Take stairs carefully at first. Tilt your head down slightly so you look through the distance zone, not the reading zone.
- Raise your computer screen so it sits just below eye level and you can see it through the middle of the lens.
If you still struggle after two weeks, get in touch. The fitting may need adjusting.
Varifocal glasses FAQs
At what age do you need varifocals? Most people start needing help with close-up vision in their mid-40s, as the eye's lens becomes less flexible. This is called presbyopia. If you already wear glasses for distance, varifocals are often the next step.
Are cheap varifocals worth it? Standard varifocals work well for many people, especially for everyday use. If you read a lot, work at a computer all day, or found varifocals hard to adapt to before, premium lenses with wider zones are worth the extra cost.
Can I drive in varifocals? Yes. The top of the lens is for distance, so you look straight ahead through it, and you can glance down at the dashboard through the middle. Give yourself a few days to adapt before driving long distances.
Why do things look blurry at the sides of my varifocals? All varifocals have some blur at the edges of the lens. It's how the gradual change in strength works. Turning your head to look sideways, rather than moving only your eyes, solves this. Premium lenses have less side blur.
Can I buy varifocals online? Yes. You'll need your prescription with the ADD value, your PD and your fitting height. If you're unsure about any of these, our team can help before your lenses are made.
Can I put varifocal lenses in my existing frames? Yes, if the frame is deep enough (around 30mm or more). Read our guide to reglazing glasses.
Get varifocals from Specsmart
One pair of glasses for driving, screens and reading. Choose from designer and budget frames, add varifocal lenses, and try them risk-free with our free home trial and 30-day free returns. Use code VIP10 for 10% off.
