Bifocals advice please!

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.

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!

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.

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

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 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.

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'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.

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.

Grannynannywanny that’s good to know.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

Envious of those cottages!

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.

Yes another 👍 vote for varios and Asda.

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!

Thank for your replies. Great to have your opinons!

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.

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