chickencam Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I am short sighted, but have reached the stage where if I need to read or sew I have to take my glasses off, and even then I can't see that well. I am unsure whether to just get some reading glasses or give varifocals a go. I was quoted nearly £600 for some varifocals the other day, ok with titanium frames but even so the lenses were over £300. I don't mind the investment if I can be sure that they will do the job, but I have a nasty feeling that they won't. My mum has had mixed results over the years but now wouldn't be without her varifocals, but said that you have to get them just so. Anyone out there who has tried both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I have had varifocals for some years now and find they are essential when using the computer. You need the mid range which you don't get if you have the ordinary bifocals. Perhaps you are considering two separate pairs of glasses though, which I guess wouldn't be such a problem anyway. The down side of varifocals is that you do have to get them just right, but that normally isn't too much of a problem. They take a while to get used to as well. I do also have a pair of close-up glasses for doing fine sewing etc as sometimes it can be a bit difficult to focus. That was my choice though, and not absolutely necessary. I hope this is a little bit helpful. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I've got varifocals - after struggling more and more to read small print, I had an eye test last year that confirmed I needed reading glasses, and like you I'm shortsighted. I love the varifocals, they were expensive but I use the computer all day at work, read, drive etc without any difficulty - I got used to them within a few hours. I couldn't be doing with having two pairs of glasses and changing them over all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 16, 2009 Author Share Posted November 16, 2009 Did you go to an independent opticians or one of the big chains? I have been unhappy with the advice that I have had, I have been told at my last couple of eye tests that i was not old enough for varifocals, and should wait until my mid forties. My sight has got worse over the past few months and I am due a test, so I want to get it right. I have since been told somewhere else that the earlier you have varificals the better you adjust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I have varifocals as I had cataracts in both eyes that had to be removed. They are better than having more than one pair of glasses, as I'd permanently forget where I'd put them. You do need to get used to them a bit - you have to look through the right bit of the lens to see what you want to focus on when going from short to intermediate. Otherwise they are good, and you can get them to fit pretty small trendy frames these days. I went to an independent optician (Philip Howard - small local chain). I got one pair of main glasses and one pair of sports sunglasses (the latter can be re-glazed if prescription changes) for about £600, both varifocal, so your quote for one pair is a bit steep. The sports sunglasses were very expensive but then I use them a lot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Having tried juggling distance and reading glasses, I switched to varifocals a couple of pairs ago. They are so much better than having to change specs, and as henriette said, are great if you use the computer much, because you get middle distance as well. I got mine from Specsavers. Much cheaper than you were quoted and I have no complaints about the quality, though it does take a day or two to get used to where to look through. You have to move your head about a bit more than with single vision lenses. I'd say to give it a go. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I have varifocals and get on OK with them, but I have to take them off when walking downstairs, as my spatial perceptions are distorted....but only on stairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 HI I recently was given reading glasses but do wish I had varifocals as I constantly find I am looking over the top! OH pays a lot at Specsavers etc for his glasses, I went to a moorfield Optometrist eye specialist for £37.50 eye testing and he gave me the script no pressure to buy from his range and his assistants told me they even go to the ie supermarket chains etc but not sure if Varifocals can be purchased this way. I would certainly shop around, they said if I bought cheaper at least if I sat on them I wouldnt feel so bad! Good luck £600 is a lot of money indie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Afraid my varifocals were around the price you've been quoted, however there are a couple of additional reasons for that - firstly they are rimless, which costs more; secondly, because I am extremely short-sighted, I pay extra for thinner lenses, otherwise they'd be the thickness of milk bottles! I did manage to choose quite an expensive frame as well, I'm not a label freak but these were the only frame I liked. I wear my specs all day, every day, and having grown up with the delightful (not) NHS ones I feel I deserve something nice! I always go to an independent optician - nothing wrong with the chains, but you can't guarantee that you'll see the same person every time you go there, and I like a personal service. Also my optician has a camera that takes a photo of the back of your eye, and it's worth sticking with the same one so they can compare photos year on year and spot any small changes. I've got a high risk of both diabetes and glaucoma, so that's quite important to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I didn't get on with my varifocals.....or my bi-focals I always find the reading part too small as I like to speed read......... I still have both and use them occasionally but I tend to use my reading glasses perched halfway down my nose so that I can look over them to look at the computer or TV and through them for reading. I can never just sit and watch TV - I have to read at the same time, so that suits me. Last time I went, earlier this year, I did have some glasses just for the TV oe driving - I use them for driving but can't be bothered for the TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachick Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Hi - can I add my professional advice? - I'm an Optometrist!! Varifocals have advantages over separate pairs in terms of convenience - no swapping between different pairs - and as the power gradually increases down the lens, you can see at all distances. However, some people prefer to have eg. a separate reading pair for prolonged close work, as some varifocals only have a small reading area. Others like a separate distance pair for driving as there are inevitable distortions at the sides of the lens which some don't like for driving. Bifocals don't have these distortions but you are a bit restricted as there is generally no "intermediate" area in a bifocal (particularly useful for computer work) There are loads of different varifocal "designs" which vary in terms of how quickly they "blend" and how wide the different areas are; you also have to take into account the depth of the frame you'll be using. Your Optician should advise on which is best for you depending on your individual needs, frame depth and of course, your budget! Also, most good lens manufacturers offer a "non-tolerance" guarantee, so if you were to try them and not get on with them, you couls swap to a different lens type at no additional cost (and probably a refund!) I have to say, you do get what you pay for in most cases - if you have a very simple prescription, you may well be fine with a basic varifocal lens, but most people do appreciate the better lenses when they try them. Another point would be that the fitting of varifocals is crucial - even the best lens won't be effective if poorly fitted! Hope this helps and hasn't confused you more! I see loads of very happy varifocal wearers and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them in the majority of people needing both distance and reading correction.......it's not going to be long before I need them myself!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Ah, that could be why my optician spent ages asking me to look at a pencil, while wearing the empty frames ... I did gather that he was working out something to do with where my eyes were pointing in relation to the lenses! That's really helpful rachick and makes me feel better about how much mine cost! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I had varifocals to start with - couldn't get on with them at all, so I now have reading specs and distance ones. The reading specs are only used when I'm doing my sewing - don't need them for reading at all. They just help me focus quicker when I look up and over the top. My distance ones are now used for poop scooping because I can't see the ground clearly without them! My mum loved her varifocals, but she is long sighted - don't know whether that made a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 Thanks for all the advice The frames I was looking at were rimless and made of titanium, and I was told that they could be reglazed many times. They were very nearly invisible. The lenses are aparently made by laser rather than ground, so you get better acuracy, this is where a lot of the cost has come from. I just wish I could decide whether or not to go all out from the start. I do a lot of sewing and reading and this is where I want the better sight mainly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I agree with the fitting statement, it's to make sure that your eyes are centred to the middle of the lenses. Varifocals, although expensive are worth the money, and a true investment as you'll be using them most of the time, so the cost is definitely worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I tried varifocals but found I couldn't get that elusive middle distance right...so in the end I took them back and at the moment I manage with distance and near, although it is very annoying to juggle both pairs at the office. Fortunately at home as both pairs are relatively narrow,my family is used to me watching telly and sewing wearing them both, one on top of the other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 19, 2009 Author Share Posted November 19, 2009 That would be me too I have an appointment for the eye test st the expensive opticians on friday, and I may sneak into Vision Express as well next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I have to wear glasses for reading as it was getting to stage I couldnt read dosages on medicne bottles and had to ask kids The glasses seem to make print bigger. I am very longer sighted and can read posters etc miles away. I now wear them on a cord round my neck (very old ladyish I know) but panic if I cant find them. Sad I know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
