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New specs

(29 Posts)
mrsmopp Sat 23-May-15 18:24:18

Following a recent eye test I have just collected my varifocal glasses. I find they are great for distances and everywhere looks a lot sharper and clearer than before.
But I am struggling with the reading part. It is fine for a quick glance at a price on a label, but if I sit to read a book I find it hard to focus properly and I start seeing double. It looks like 3D with words and letters on top of each other. I have to close one eye to be able to read. Is it my fault and I need to get used to them? Or is there something wrong with the specs?

AshTree Sun 24-May-15 22:26:15

I first tried varifocals around 15 years ago but didn't get on with them - though I certainly didn't have the kind of problems you are reporting and I would definitely say the prescription isn't right.
I tried varifocals again a few years later, but this time I bought the highest 'grade' (there were four grades), and I have never looked back. I wear them all the time now from the minute I get up until I go to bed and I read with them with no problem. I don't have any problems wearing them when using my laptop, but I cannot cope with them when using my desktop, because of the angle of view - I found I was having to tip my head back so that I could look through the reading section at the bottom of the lenses. So I bought reading glasses and just leave them next to the desktop as I never use them for anything else.
Oh, and I have had excellent varifocals from Specsavers and from Boots, with nothing to choose between them.

EllenMay Mon 25-May-15 09:39:17

If you have tried them for a few days and there is no improvement then you should go back to the opticians.

I have worn varifocals for years and have had varying experiences so have picked up a number of tips during this time. As others have said, I would always go for the highest quality of lens; it costs more but is definitely worth it - as I have found out in the past, to my cost. I have also found that they tend not to work well in small lenses as the transition between long and short distance is sharper. I have recently bought a new pair and chose larger frames and the best lenses and am very happy with them.

Having said that, some people never get used to varifocals. When my husband bought his first pair recently from Boots, they said if he really couldn't get used to them, they would replace them with a pair of normal glasses and a reading pair. Luckily he took to them straightaway and didn't need to go back but it was reassuring that the offer was there.

Good luck and I hope it works out well for you.

janerowena Mon 25-May-15 20:09:17

I clicked on this expecting to read about the discovery of a new species.

Therefore I think I may be going to visit my optician fairly soon.