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Wearing varifocals and looking at screens

(61 Posts)
Tippy22 Sat 17-Feb-18 17:21:47

I've worn varifocals for years and never had a problem until recently. I was offered a free trial of varifocals contact lenses but because I don't have full sight in my left eye I didn't think thus would help. It's only when I'm looking at my phone or tablet that I have a problem. I think I'll have to try and readjust the way I sit or just use the computer instead. Thanks for all your comments. Very interesting.

LadyGracie Sat 17-Feb-18 17:20:40

I’ve worn varifocals for years and have never had a problem, I always pay for the best varifocal lenses, so you don’t get distortion at the sides. I always have reactive lenses too. My eye test is this month, I too am finding print is getting smaller, but I think it really is!

shysal Sat 17-Feb-18 16:49:19

I struggled with my first pair of varifocals 3 years ago, finding the reading section far too small for books and screens so gave up on them. I have chosen to have bi-focals this time and they are perfect! However, I don't like the look of them. When waiting to pick them up at Specsavers I looked on the desk mat at the image patterns for varifocals and there are I think 5 different patterns of view with increasing size of the reading portion, of course with increase in price too! I will get a reduction on a second pair of glasses so might give varifocals another try.

hildajenniJ Sat 17-Feb-18 16:35:31

I've been wearing varifocals for some years now, and I've never had a problem. I think I'm getting ready to have my eyes tested again because printed matter seems to be getting smaller. ??

vampirequeen Sat 17-Feb-18 16:21:35

How long have you had this pair? Sometimes it takes a while to get used to looking through the right bit of the lens.

PamelaJ1 Sat 17-Feb-18 15:58:48

I’ve just got new glasses and have noticed this more than with my last pair.
I’ve only had them a week so thought that maybe I have to get used to the new prescription.

Willow500 Sat 17-Feb-18 14:35:54

I've got varifocal contact lenses and don't have the problem but my husband has just got varifocal glasses for the first time and is struggling with looking at the screens on his phone, iPad and laptop for the very reason you've said. He's constantly adjusting them to compensate and in the end often ends up putting on his old reading glasses. Very frustrating!

Maggiemaybe Sat 17-Feb-18 14:30:33

I have a selection of glasses to go with the contact lenses I wear most of the time. My lenses are monovision, so my eyes do take a few minutes to adjust to any of my glasses (I have a choice of varifocals, reading and distance glasses). I never wear my varifocals for screen work, as I find I've to tip my head back to see properly and this can get very uncomfortable. My reading glasses work well. I can't see there'd be a problem with your having a different prescription for computer work - perhaps you should consult another optician for a second opinion.

petra Sat 17-Feb-18 13:59:50

I have been wearing varifocals since they came out.
Never ever had a problem until last year where I went to 3 opticians until I got what was perfect.
Don't accept them. Ask for your money back and go somewhere else.

Welshwife Sat 17-Feb-18 13:55:01

I find that I adjust the height of what I am reading if it is something such as a newspaper. For the screen I have no problem at all - maybe I just adjust my head position without realising it. If I am watching TV and lean back in the chair I do then need to put the specs half way down my nose.
I find stairs are the biggest hazard and always look carefully before I start to descend and I am conscious then of altering my head position to make sure I am looking through the right part of the lens.

Tippy22 Sat 17-Feb-18 13:38:56

I wear varifocal glasses and I find I am constantly adjusting them when i am looking at my phone or tablet because i am looking down whereas when my eyes are tested I am looking straight ahead. Do any of you have the same problem. When i mentioned it to my optician the last time I had my eyes checked he could offer no solution. I suggested perhaps I should have 2 pairs of glasses instead of varifocals but he said after all the years I had been wearing varifocals it wouldn't be advisable for me. Any helpful solutions would be welcome.