Varifocals

This is what worries me as I would like to have just one pair of glasses but have heard about these problems from friends and it puts me off.

PS. Welcome to GN, by the way, Maggierose

Welcome Maggierose. Don't go down an escalator wearing varifocals. I now have a phobia!

I've worn varifocals for years. Quite honestly I can't remember how easily it was to adjust to them. I remember being a little unsure of stairs and kerbs. Driving was fine.
Once you've adjusted I'm sure you will like them. I'm sorry I don't have any tips, but perseverance will pay off.

Welcome to Gransnet.

Same here, Maggirose I daren't go out in my varifocals either.
I will be interested to see if other people have any tips.

Give it a little longer.
I was always looking for my glasses and opted for varifocals before I really needed them. It took a little while to get used to them but saved so much time it was worth it.

I had some bifocals which I hoped to wear all the time but they made me feel dizzy especially walking, and I couldn’t get used to them .
I use them for watching tv now, it’s useful for reading subtitles, as everyone seems to be mumbling.....

Maggierose
Your prescription is wrong, it shouldn’t be like that.
I’ve had varifocals for over 30 years and because my first pair were absolutely perfect I knew what to expect.
I have complained many times that the prescription wasn’t right.
About 4 years ago it took me 3 different opticians to get it right.
Don’t be fobbed off with you’ll get used to them you shouldn’t have to.

Wow, what quick responses! I’m impressed with Gransnet. I’ll keep trying but will ring specsavers if there’s no improvement

I have varifocals but can’t read through the close up bit so I have reading glasses too. I also have prescription sun glasses because after cataract surgery my eyes are very sensitive to light. I still need a hat with a peak every time the sun comes out. Just one pair of glasses would be nice.

I've worn them for years too, they did take a short time to get used too. I wouldn't ever have anything else.
I use Specsavers and have the most expensive lenses, there is no dramatic change in the vision through the lenses.

I can't get along with varifocals either Maggierose I get my glasses from Specsavers as well. I discussed it with them as I was concerned they may phase out bifocals. The optician said bifocals are fine if that suits me and they will continue to provide them. Go with whatever makes you most comfortable.

I’ve worn varifocals for many years but disagree with MerylStreep in that It took me about 3 weeks to get used to them. Each time I have a change of lense (over the years) it has always taken some weeks to get used to the new prescription but once used to it I love them.

I’ve had my varifocals for 2 years and I’m happy with them. My brother had tried them a couple of years before me and didn’t take to them and did his best to put me off going for them. But the deal in Specsavers was they could be returned if not fully satisfied within 2 weeks. So, I decided to have them.

The best tip the optician gave me was to put my chin on my chest when going downstairs, stepping off kerb etc. Otherwise you’re not looking through the correct lens and at risk of a stumble. I found I got used to them quickly and have never regretted my decision. Hopefully if you go carefully out and about you’ll soon be confident.

I tried pair, couldn't get on with them. The optitian changed the prescription slightly, they were worse. So they gave me two pairs, for reading and driving, for free. They said some people just don't suit them.

DH loves his though, he has worn them for years.

I wear varifocals and have done for many years. It took me 2 weeks for my eyes to adjust to my first pair. When my eyes got tired I wore my previous old specs to give my eyes a rest.
After 2 weeks something ‘clicked’ in my brain and I was used to them.
I agree with Grannynannywanny about tucking your chin in when going downstairs. Also looking straight on without trying to glimpse sideways through the lens.
I hope you get used to your pair, I think mine are wonderful!

Another thumbs up for varifocals took me a week to adjust but i soon got used to them.

I've had varifocals for 25 years. When I first got them, they didn't seem quite right so I went back to the optician who adjusted the fit and since that moment I've never had any problems with them. You need to go back to the optician, or maybe get a second opinion. It could be that the fit is wrong or that the lenses have been wrongly prescribed.

Several people have mentioned SpecSavers. That was the first place I complained: loudly.
Make sure you get good lenses. Ziess have always worked for me.

The first time I wore varifocals - some 25 years ago, I noticed that flat work tops seemed to be slightly curved but my eyes/brain soon adjusted. When I look down, the ground around my feet is clear, so no problems with steps. The only problem I have with varifocals is when shopping and I have to tip my head back to read labels on higher shelves.

My lenses are coated to help to prevent glare especially when driving the car and react to light so darken when out in sunshine.

I am long sighted so do not need glasses for driving (the speedo can look a bit blurry without them) however, my arms are not long enough to read normal print and I was always taking my single focus specs on and off - I tried putting glasses on a chain round my neck but kept knocking and damaging them.

I have regular checks with the optician but my eyes are not changing much and I haven't needed new glasses for several years so, although varifocals are expensive, I think think they are cost effective.

I agree with MerylStreep, it sounds as if your prescription is wrong. I suppose the type of correction you need must be relevant but I just wear my varifocal glasses all the time and forget about them.

This thread has made me wonder how many people have been told to get used to them then given up and put them in a drawer.

I too have been wearing varifocals for about thirty years. For the first two days, I did have a problem with looking down, but that soon passed, once I got the hang of it.
Now, I wouldn't be without them.

When I was teaching I always had a pair on my head for reading and a separate pair for looking around the classroom. It became such a faff, changing them all the time!

I meant to say that my prescription has changed every year, so an expensive business!

Maggierose, it does take a couple of days to get used to it. Don’t give up.