Should I Buy Varifocal or Bifocal Glasses?

By Kerry L

Should I Buy Varifocal or Bifocal Spectacles?

Introduction

Varifocal and bifocal lenses are two types of eyeglasses available on the market. They're both used to treat presbyopia, or farsightedness, but they work differently. Varifocals have a progressive lens that gets stronger as you move toward the outer edge of your field of vision; bifocals have one part for distance vision and another for close-up tasks like reading or sewing. In this article, we'll explain how varifocal and bifocal lenses work so that you know which type is best for you!

 

What Are Varifocal and Bifocal Lenses?

Varifocal lenses are the most common type of progressive lens. They can be used for both distance and near vision, but they don't have a line marking the transition between the two areas. If you're wearing varifocal lenses and want to read something up close, you'll need to move your head back and forth so that each eye sees only one part of the image--your left eye will see only what's in its field of vision (distance) while your right eye sees only what's in its field of vision (near).


Bifocal lenses offer two distinct areas: one for distance vision and one for near vision. The dividing line between these two zones is usually marked by an arrow or other symbol on either side of where it would normally fall on monofocal lenses like reading glasses or sunglasses; this helps prevent confusion when using bifocals as opposed to regular ones because there won't be any overlap between them at all!

 

Comparison of Varifocal and Bifocal Lenses

As you can see, the differences between varifocal and bifocal lenses are many. The design of each type of lens is different, as well as their functionality and usage.


Varifocals are typically designed with two distinct focal points: one for distance vision and another for near-vision tasks such as reading or working on a computer screen. They're also available in progressive designs, which provide multiple intermediate focal points between distant and near vision--this allows you to see clearly at all distances without having to change your glasses from time to time.

Bifocals have only one focal point, so they don't offer the same flexibility as varifocals do when it comes to switching between tasks that require different levels of acuity; however, they may be easier on your eyes because they don't require switching back and forth between two different lenses every time you need new information from an object that's far away versus one that's close up (like reading).

 

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

It's time to put your knowledge into practice. Let's look at some real-life examples of how varifocal and bifocal lenses can be used in different scenarios:

  • Geoff, works as a construction worker and frequently struggles seeing objects clearly at different distances. Geoff needs glasses for reading books and documents, but he also wants to be able to see clearly when he is working on high buildings or scaffolding. In this case, Geoff would be better off using varifocal lenses which cater for all the distances he needs to see.
  • Susan, who works as a nurse needs glasses that allow her both distance vision and reading capabilities because she has patients coming in all day long with various medical conditions that require her attention at close range. In this case, she would be more suited to bifocals so that she doesn't have to constantly switch between two pairs of glasses--one pair for distance viewing and one pair for near viewing purposes

Common Misconceptions and Concerns

There are a few common misconceptions about varifocal and bifocal lenses. Let's address them:

  • "I don't need to wear glasses." You might think that you can see well enough without glasses, but it's important to get your eyes checked regularly by an optician. Age-related vision problems can develop slowly over time, so it's best to catch them before they become too severe. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, these conditions can lead to changes in how well you see as well.
  • "I'm too young for bifocals." While some people do start wearing bifocals in their 40s or 50s, many others start using them earlier than that--even as young as 30! And if you're having trouble reading small print on things like medicine bottles or bills at home (or even signs from across the street), then yes: It may be time for some new eyeglasses with progressive lenses!

 

Varifocal or Bifocal Glasses?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right pair of glasses. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you.
Varifocal and bifocal lenses are both popular choices because they offer different features that may be beneficial depending on your needs. If you have questions about which type of lens is right for you, or if there are other factors that should be considered before making a decision about purchasing new frames, contact your local optician today.