Varifocals

It is easier to get used to progressive power lenses when the extra power needed for close work and reading at the bottom of the lenses, is not so much, and feet are not too blurred! It’s harder to adapt if you have needed reading glasses for many years.
I have just got my new ones ( 2 weeks) - only a small step up in power from my old ones, so I’m just about ok now, but I started in progressives 20 years ago. I remember my grandmother not feeling safe in her bifocal glasses because she could not see steps clearly.
My previous pair of progressive glasses needed to be adjusted ( when I first got them) so that they tipped into my cheeks slightly at the bottom, and that helped for me.
I would give them a few days- but if you don’t gradually get used to them, go back to your optometrist/ optician and check the glasses are centred and fitted optimally. If you really can’t manage them your optician should offer an alternative.

MerylStreep

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 just could not get on with them- and went back 3 times. Kept being told to persevere, but I was feeling sick and tripping on the stairs. Then we had to rush off to look after my very ill parents abroad. Mum died, our house in the UK fell through- my dad had to go into a home and didn't settle. A total nightmare. By the time I went back to Vision Express they said 'oh no it's too late now!' 500 quid down the drain.

When I had an eye test here to exchange UK licence, as per the law- they found out I do not have proper 3 D vision. I asked if it would make me unsuitable for vary focals. Yes, they replied, totally unsuitable for you.

Went to Vision Express and wrote to Head Office- not a penny back. They are still in the games cupboard- must remember to give them to charity.

Maggierose I went to that well-known opticians a few years ago and chose varifocals for the first time.
Unfortunately, I just couldnt get on with them, felt sick, unbalanced on the stairs etc. They had said if, after three weeks, you still can't get on with them, come back.

I did and they changed the lens for bifocals, free of charge.

I've had varifocals for years now and have never had a probem ith them fortunately

I had varifocals for many years, only took a few days to adjust to them. Last year i changed to contacts as I was fed up of steamed up glasses . I have one eye lense long sighted and one eye lense short sighted and some where in between your brain adjusts to being able to see similar to varifocals . Never looked back , wouldn't be without them now .

MerylStreep

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.

Agree if you still have a problem after a few days they are not lined up properly. Go back to the Opticians, I have had them for years never had any problems.
Yes looking down the stairs can be off putting but you get used to it, as you move your head down more.

I have had varifocals for well over 20-years, they were expensive essilor ones, there is a difference between the various lenses. Personally I used to go to a small private optician, I do not rate Specsavers at all from my husband's experience.
It only took me 2 or 3 days to get used to them at first and since then, no problems at all. Go back if you're not happy.
I broke my my glasses recently so I tried the ASDA varifocals which were £120 a pair including thinning anti-scratch and anti-glare. Amazingly they are absolutely fine. I had the option of a refund if not happy within 30 days.

I'd worn contact lenses for nearly 20 years and then started to wear reading glasses when needed, decided to try varifocal glasses but I really struggled. Never got used to them the despite going back to the opticians. Gave up after nearly six months. I kept the varifocals as I need glasses if any problems arise with wearing contacts.
At my last test, my eyes had changed improved! I replaced the varifocals with standard glasses but I might try varifocal contacts as they said it would help with the astigmatism I have.

es a after my next review

I wear varifocals with no problems.
I like being able to see and cannot imagine stuffing them in a draw rather than complain.
The mask wearing in shops has driven me nearly to distraction despite all the “tips” about wearing them halfway down your nose, expensive wipes etc.
The basic Specsaver varifocals are ok but for real comfort and confidence I’d definitely recommend spending more for the best quality lenses

I have been wearing varifocals for years. I started so that I could easily see both the music and the conductor of the choir I sing in. The very first pair were not quite right, so I went back and they changed the type of lens. They must fit properly though, so if they wear a bit loose, get them adjusted. For my last pair I went to a different optician- paid a bit more but their starting lenses were Specsavers’ top ones, so it was worth the little bit extra. They have a wider range, so your vision at the outer edges is not distorted.

?Previewed but didn't spot my jumbled last line. It should read ...

... I might try varifocal contacts at my next review, as they said it would help with the astigmatism.

I must have worn varifocals for about 20 years now. I think it probably took me a couple of days to get used to them in the first place but I've had no problems since. I'm always careful going down stairs, but I used to be careful when I was wearing bifocals. I've lately lost my nerve on escalators going down and avoid them. They seem to go so fast now, even some of the up ones are quite difficult. It's so nice when you find an old one that just trundles along.

The trick is to move your head and not just your eyes.

I too have worn them for a fair few years, a small, local optician provided my first pair and made me walk up and down the four steps outside, looking down, before I left. They explained it would take a few days for my brain to ‘re wire’ and adjust.
I too use Asda since the local optician closed, Specsavers were a nightmare, three pairs, all wrong, I got my money back.

Just give it time. I love mine but do remember the kerb coming towards me when I first wore them. Would not be without them

I picked up my new varifocals on Monday from Specsavers. These must be my third pair. I went for the best quality lenses. I must admit having no issues adjusting. Husband also has varifocals. Specsavers have always been very helpful and if your new specs aren’t right for you they will change them. Have a good read of the information about lense quality etc on their website.

I had varifocals and found them ok for most things but not good for driving as taking that quick look over my right shoulder to check the blind spot took it all out of focus for a second or two. Not very safe for driving. I’ve reverted to bifocals and I feel safe to drive in them.

There are several different varifocal lenses, the most expensive being the best for vision. I surest you find an independent optician as Specsavers don’t do a good job. My last pair of varifocals cost about £300, including transitions lenses.

Thank you everyone for all your advice . It is very helpful.

I’ve got to have new varificocals …..thprescription has changed. Not looking forward to the cost - I might give the online opticians a go - so much cheaper

I have wornvarificals for about 40 years and was comfortable with them for normal seeing from the minute I walked out of the opticians door - that is until my current pair. It has taken me ages to get used to them because the change of lens is not quite in the right place - it is a bit low - this part of the lens is crucial so I have never understood how people could buy them from the internet.
My eyes have changed dramatically since having chemo so this is maybe why I have had the problem. Have no idea if the Chemo is the cause or if it is pure coincidence - so many things have changed so I would not be surprised. I can now wear this new pair ok - I could not take them back yet as I got them on my last trip to U.K. - although I can use these new specs they are not as comfortable to use as I know they should be so I will go back for a chat when I visit the family in a few weeks.
Deep frames are much easier for varificals than narrow ones and the newer sort of wide vision area lenses are much much better.
I would not like to go back to needing two pairs!

I would not risk getting varifocals online, as it is very important that the pupil distance is measured precisely, so the three different parts of the lenses ae manufactured in the correct way for you. I wouldn't chance this myself, would prefer to have an expert do it.

I would not like to go back to needing two pairs!

I always order a pair of reading glasses too.
If I'm multitasking the bifocals are fine but for reading a book or kindle I prefer full reading glasses.

I tried varifocals but I just couldn't get on with them. When I was driving, and turned my head, it looked like the world was tilting. I gave up and went back to having three pair of glasses (driving, intermediate for when using the computer at work, and reading).

Apparently it can take you a few weeks to get used to them, so I think I may have given up too quickly.

I’ve had varifocals for years. It took a while to get used to looking down and spreadsheets were a nightmare at first. If they don’t get any better, just go back. I’ve always had mine from Specsavers with no trouble, but this last time I had to return them twice and have a second eye test before they were right.

I’m another who loves varifocals. My first pair took a couple of days getting used to on the stairs but no problem after that. I drive in mine too.
I wouldn’t like to have different specs for different things and now have the reactalite (spelling?) lenses as well so saves getting separate sunglasses .

I got fed up tho with Specsavers taking repeated attempts to get things right when I needed new specs and went to an independent optician. First thing I was told when the lady was fitting my frames was that my ears were set low, hence me fiddling constantly with spectacles as they weren’t sitting properly on my face. She actually had the same issue herself. All those years of going to Specsavers and no one had noticed this.