Bifocals advice please!

I have varifocals for driving and a different pair of varifocals which allow me to see my computer screen (and avoid the blue light) and also to read whatever is beside me on my desk. This has been the best solution for me, as the driving prescription does not allow easy transition between focal points that are close to me. These computer/reading glasses do have a name, but I forget it! Purchased from an independent optician in my local town.

I've been wearing varifocals for years. I get mine from Vision Express. Only had trouble with one pair once, because the measurements on the lens hadn't been done properly but they ordered new ones immediately.

They give you 100 days to take them back of you aren't getting on with them

I have Nikon Home & Office lenses which have been brilliant. There are three levels, so you can read, do computer work and see around the room. They were expensive but I've never had such a natural pair of glasses (£265 for the lenses in 2014). I've had the same pair for 8 years and they're still going strong, although I should probably have a new pair now.

It seems varifocals are favourite here! looking forward to choosing my frames when I go, although the choice is bewildering!

I have a small face but large nose, so good luck to me with finding flattering frames!

Varifiocals here.One pair had to be adjusted as they made me feel dizzy and I knew from previously having pairs that wasn't right.It took two trips to my independent optician for them to get them sitting just right -I have a rather asymmetrical face apparently.But they sorted it and said if I wasn't happy they would get them remade.They are perfect now.Anyone experiencing dizziness I would push for them to refit.Just being slightly outcan make all the difference.

Worth noting, Washerwoman. Thanks.

Another thing. When you have your eyes tested make sure they don't hurry you. I had a test recently and had to return the glasses for a refund. I think the person testing me was going too fast for me and I gave the wrong answers. They never offered to retest me but the last time that happened in 2010 they retested me and found the first test was too strong. If the tester is going too fast ask them to slow down.

I will not be rushed, it makes me nervous! Will have to be very assertive!

I have varifocals, and luckily, have no problem with them at all. I’ve never had bifocals, but imagine they could be more difficult to get used to.

I too would advise trying progressive power/ varifocals especially if you have only just got to the point of needing different powers for reading and distance. I have had progressive power specs since my mid 40s and got used to them OK. I do also have single vision reading specs for computer ( lap top) and reading/sewing/ reading music ( they sit next to the lap top when not in use so I don't usually lose them) as I find the reading area on my progressive specs can be a bit small for some tasks, like reading music. Its worth discussing your hobbies and visual needs with the dispenser to get the right lens design for you.

I was determined to switch to varifocals but couldn’t get on with them.
I settled on contact lenses for long distances with cheap reading glasses if I need them for closer distances. Works a treat for me.

My Indy optician is very good. When I wasn’t happy with my new varifocals they tested again to be sure. They were right, I think it was adapting to the new frame, it’s amazing frames, how they sit on your face, and nosepieces can make such a difference. My fitter was really skilful and patient until I felt comfortable with them. I can take them back up to a year if not happy. Mind you they were £600…..

I have occupational lenses, similar to those described by Chestnut. They are a type of varifocal. They are the best lenses I’ve ever had. They’re not designed for wearing out of doors, but I always wear dark glasses outside as I can’t see in bright, or even not so bright, daylight. My dark glasses are varifocals so are very handy when shopping. I change my glasses when I’m leaving the house and when I return. Much better than having to carry more than one pair of glasses. Some varifocals have a wider field of view than others. Get the widest field you can at a price you can afford. My current glasses cost an arm and a leg, but they have improved my poor vision tremendously. Varifocals can now be made with much thinner, lighter lenses than was once possible so you don’t need thick heavy frames, unless you want them of course.

*Mind you they were £600*…..
Wow!

Blossoming definitely want light frames, don't want to feel 'burdened' with them.

Annie6I my frames are a thin purple wire, there’s a photo of me wearing them in the Soop’s Kitchen thread. They’re so light and comfortable.

Varifocals here too, had no problems adjusting to them when I first got a pair many years ago.
I’m also another Asda user nowadays, the last time I got new specs I paid £140 (or thereabouts, can’t remember exactly how much) for two pairs of varifocals. One of them is the comfiest pair of specs I’ve ever had in over 60 years of being a spec wearer.
Because I have quite a complicated scrip, my previous single pair cost over £500 from D&A who became part of Boots Opticians so I was gob-smacked that Asda were so cheap. I assume it’s the sheer scale of sales that they have that enables them to offer such low prices.
And definitely go for the best lenses you can afford.

OOH! purple wire sounds cool! must try and find the pic!

Asda does seem cheap, grannydarkhair, prices are so varied depending where you go and what you want.

I have Asda frameless for £100 bottom line. Very happy especially when I think of the crazy prices I used to pay. Ignorance is not always bliss. Can't understand why I didn't know Asda sold specs. Better late than never.

Like Fleurpepper I struggled with them for the same reasons so have gone back to my distance glasses for driving etc and have two pair of reading glasses. More pairs to lose I know but it works better for me. I felt a bit like I had vertigo in them, maybe I’ll give them another try in the future.

What really freaked me out is my cousin in the USA who had laser surgery, one eye for reading and one eye for long distance, yiikkkess.

Yes varifocals. Only advice I can offer is make sure the lenses are big enough to accommodate the long and near vision comfortably as I once had a mishap when they were too small and I couldn’t see one area at all. Also, I was advised to also have a pair of reading glasses as I read in bed. The difference is significantly better. If I pick up the varifocals in place of the single vision I know immediately.

Thoroughly recommend varifocals; have been wearing them for 20+ years with no problems. Although my usual glasses are Reactolite, I have just got varifocal sunglasses, thought they might be useful on holiday.

mine was bad, headaches and sore eyes, i use two pairs now and have done for years.

I too have varifocals. Think s********s have an offer where you can change them to bifocals if you're not happy.