Bifocals advice please!

This thread is very helpful, thank you all for sharing your varied experiences with the different options!

I've had varifocals for a few years and very happy with them. I needed them for work (nurse) as I had to use computer and then kneel or look down to do dressings and was much easier and better for infection control as I didn't need to change them and add another layer of hand washing. It's also easier with the grandchildren.

Always had varifocals - takes a couple of hours to get used to but they’re great.

I tried varifocals and went back to bifocals those who are continually taking glasses on and off are advertising their age more than bifocals.

Men are probably worse at not wearing glasses, its vanity for them too.

I’ve worn varifocals for many years.
I did spend about 2 weeks getting used to them and find that when I’ve had a change of prescription I need time again to get used to the change. I wouldn’t bother with a second pair unless they are exactly the same model and prescription as again your eyes need to get used to them. I also only wear clip on dark glasses for the same reason. I put them on first thing in the morning and take them off at bedtime but honestly don’t notice I’m wearing them in the day but have perfect vision.
I do get fairly costly frameless ones and replace with the same when I need to change my prescription and they are so light it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing any.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

*Mind you they were £600*…..
Wow!

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Worth noting, Washerwoman. Thanks.