Bifocals advice please!

Have you considered varifocals? Luckily I didn’t have any issues when I started to wear them. My only advice is to get top of the range lenses. I went to S******ers.

Thank you! Speccies is where I got my prescription.

I have had varifocals for over 15 years, saves the hassle of juggling two pairs of glasses.

Varifocals are great, and I dont think look aging, as bi-focals appear to do. I had mine from a high street supermarket, cheap, and excellent service, Asa, oops there is a d in there, if you get what i mean!!

I use Asda too, sorted out my prescription from a previous shop that was wrong, cheaper glasses too.

I would advise varifocals to avoid the odd chin lifting action often seen with users of bifocals. Would not advise two pairs, I think you would find ( unless everything you wear has large pockets!) that you are constantly searching for “the other pair”.

I'd advise you to get a cheap pair to try them. I have one pair distance, one pair for reading and a pair of bifocals for shopping. I got mine from Glasses Direct and they are fine. I don't like to use them for when I'm on my laptop or ipad but they are great for shopping.

Thank for your replies. Great to have your opinons!

Lexisgranny

I would advise varifocals to avoid the odd chin lifting action often seen with users of bifocals. Would not advise two pairs, I think you would find ( unless everything you wear has large pockets!) that you are constantly searching for “the other pair”.

Goood points there, thanks!

Yes another 👍 vote for varios and Asda.

I had bifocals but on optician's advice changed to Varifocals and found them much better. Only problem I have is coming downstairs. Going up is fine but coming down I see 2 edges, so usually take my glasses off for a descent. Not a big problem for me as I live in a flat and both DDs have single story cottages - only in big shops, hotels, airports, etc. where I usually use the lift. I avoid scary moving stairs if at all possible.

Ah, I will bear that in mind, about stairs Granny23.

Envious of those cottages!

Another vote for varifocals which I’ve used for years, and had no problems with adapting to them. My vision didn’t cope with swapping back and forth with reading and distance glasses and bifocals seem a bit dated to me.

I wear bifocals - have tried varifocals twice with no success. I agree that you might need separate glasses for a laptop or computer. I think it’s worth going to a good optician as they will know best where to place the reading area on the lenses of the bifocals. Bifocals are fine for driving, btw. Good luck!

I endorse the fact that varifocals too do need an experienced fitter or they won’t work well.

Thank you all, it is so helpful to read all this.

I ditched 2 separate pairs and switched to varifocals 3 years ago and very happy with them. Maybe I was just lucky but I settled in with them within hours. I got them in Specsavers and the arrangement was I could return them within 2 weeks if I didn’t like them.

I was advised to put my chin in my chest going downstairs to get the correct angle and I’ve never experienced any problems.

Grannynannywanny that’s good to know.

I have varifocals I find them better than bifocals no tell-tale line across the middle.
I must admit I find stairs and escalators difficult to judge and have a cheap pair of reading glasses for bed in case I fall asleep and break them.

I've tried varifocals without success as well. I'm more than happy with my bifocals.
I asked my optician about it and he said to stick with whatever I feel comfortable with, they will continue to supply them.

annie61

Ah, I will bear that in mind, about stairs Granny23.

Envious of those cottages!

Not only stairs and escalators but any kind of step, including kerbs and getting off buses or trains. I don't actually wear any glasses when walking out and about. I would wear them for browsing in a shop but take them off before setting off. I might wear them in a train or bus but would take them off before getting off.

I got some varifocals last year, after getting fed up juggling two pairs of glasses. I went for Vision Express top of the range ones and they are excellent. Like others, I use my reading glasses for reading in bed.

I just could not get on with them at all- they kept saying I should keep trying. but I was feeling sick and losing balance. Just did not work for me. OH loves his.

I don’t think I’ll be wearing them walking to wherever, either. To start with at least.