Bi Focals and variafocals.

I have never worn bifocals, went straight from "ordinary" to varifocals, as the eye test showed that otherwise I would have needed 3 different pairs!

Varifocals do take quite a bit of getting used to, they can almost make you feel a bit seasick at first.

The only advice I would give if you are considering them, is go for the widest field possible. Yes, they will cost more but it is worth it.

Hi phoenix

I am happy with my variafocals but I am just wondering if I am missing out on anything against bi focals.
The problem is finding somebody with experience of both.
I know they cost more but people who where bi focals seem reluctant to change.
Some of them I know run expensive cars etc and have private health insurance so I don't think cost comes in to it.

Frank

Some people just can't get on with varifocals, my mother couldn't although I think she didn't try them for long enough.

I had bifocals before my varifocals and now I am used to the varifocals I much prefer them. I feel really old and doddery at the top of staircases that I am not used to though.

Since having narrower varifocals I am more careful at the top of stairs and also when there is a great difference in light and shade but I don't think that is necessarily the specs. A couple of years ago we were walking along and there was a dramatic change of light from shadow to bright sunshine and although wearing my prescription sun-specs I failed utterly to see a low wall. Fortunately DH had a feeling I would miss it and turned round in time to catch me.

I have worn glasses for most of my adult life....starting out with very thick huge owl like monstrosities.

I now wear the latest contact lenses but have varifocals for when I am not wearing my lenses. I have never had a problem with them and would not consider bifocals as it still conjurs up the image of my grandad who had a thick line across his bifocals where the prescription changed and was forever moving them up and down his nose to focus. I expect the technology is better now.

Do any opticians offer a "test drive" of glasses as they do with contact lenses? This would make the choice much easier.

I've had both, and I just cannot see with bi-focals at all!

I bought some varifocals and although it took a while, I wouldn't be without them.

I have had bifocals for many years and was persuaded to try varifocals which I did for a while. I was astounded to find that with the varifocals I had to move my head from side to side to read even a small ( paperback size ) page of print. I soon went back to my bifocals.I have a special pair for music on a stand and the computer.

In other words Frank, we're all different, and it's trial and error!

Hi everyone

Thanks for your advice.
Of course I am probably jumping the gun as I don't know yet if I will have to change my glasses.
My father / mother only ever needed ordinary glasses but as far as I remember they had to wear them prior to 40.
Really I think I did very well getting to 62 without needing glasses as I got my eyes tested every 2 years.
The optician has said I am not on a strong prescription now and on my last test I was within the law for driving without glasses but I would not now be happy to do so.
That said my frames are getting loose on the glasses I normally wear and I am sure there must be some scratches on the lenses.
Unless the optician says I should do otherwise I will stay with the type of glasses I have got.

Frank

I've worn specs from being a child and whatever lens you have it will take a few days to get used to them.
It's just your eyes adjusting.
I think any dual prescription is always a compromise, I use varifocals and reading glasses dependent on what I am doing.
I am short sited so sometimes do close up work without specs.

I have vari-focals otherwise I would need three pairs of specs. It's much easier to keep one pair on all the time - don't loose them then. My dad wore bi-focals and couldn't change to vari-focals. He just couldn't get used to them.

Oh, and I find vari-focals are no good for reading in bed. The optician advised getting a cheap pair of magnifiers from Boots and they work perfectly.