As we navigate through life, it's all too common to dismiss minor physical changes as inevitable aspects of ageing. However, when it comes to your eyesight, disruptive shifts that affect your daily activities should not simply be accepted as the norm. In numerous instances, finding the correct pair of glasses can profoundly enhance your quality of life and visual comfort.
Understanding Varifocal Lenses
Denise Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, provides a clear distinction: "Normal glasses, often termed single vision glasses, are specifically designed for a particular task or viewing distance. This means you might possess one pair for distance vision and another separate pair for reading, with each lens having a uniform power throughout."
"In contrast, a varifocal lens integrates your distance prescription at the top of the lens, which then gradually transitions down to your reading prescription at the bottom. This sophisticated design enables seamless focusing across all different levels and distances within a single pair of spectacles."
When Do People Typically Consider Varifocals?
"While it varies from person to person, individuals generally begin to notice changes with their near vision and may find varifocals beneficial around the ages of 40 to 45," explains Voon.
Dr Nabila Jones, an optometrist and research associate at Optegra, concurs with this assessment. "Typically, from around the age of 40 onwards, a condition known as presbyopia starts to take effect. This occurs when the natural lens inside your eye loses some of its flexibility, making it increasingly challenging to focus on close-up tasks such as reading or detailed work."
Six Tell-Tale Signs You Might Need Varifocal Glasses
1. Difficulty Reading Small Print
"One of the initial indicators people often report is an inability to read the fine print on medication bottles or restaurant menus," highlights Jones. "Many also find themselves instinctively holding newspapers, books, or mobile phones further away from their eyes to achieve clearer focus."
2. Frequent Eye Strain and Headaches
"A second common complaint from patients involves experiencing more regular eye strain and headaches during prolonged periods of computer use or reading," notes Jones. This discomfort often results from the eyes overworking to maintain focus.
3. Slower Eye Refocusing Time
"You might observe that your eyes require more time to adjust when shifting focus from a distant object to something nearby," says Jones. "For instance, after looking at a cinema screen, glancing at your watch may result in temporarily blurred vision that takes several moments to clear."
4. Constantly Switching Between Glasses Pairs
"If you already use separate reading and distance glasses, a strong sign that varifocals could be advantageous is finding yourself frequently swapping between pairs," advises Voon. "A typical scenario might involve needing distance glasses to watch television, then having to change to reading glasses to consult the TV guide in a newspaper. This constant switching suggests that an all-in-one solution could be more practical."
5. Requiring Brighter Light for Reading
"Another signal is noticing that you need significantly brighter illumination when reading," says Voon. "This might manifest as taking reading material closer to a window or resorting to using a torch to see text clearly. Such behaviour can indicate that reading has become more visually demanding."
6. Sore and Watery Eyes
"Many individuals also report that their eyes become somewhat watery and sore due to overcompensation," explains Jones. "This occurs when your eyes are working exceptionally hard to focus, leading to irritation and discomfort."
When Might an Optometrist Recommend Varifocals?
"If your eye test reveals that you require distinct prescriptions for distance and reading vision, your optometrist will likely discuss varifocals as a potential option," states Voon.
It is crucial to explore all available choices during your consultation. "Some patients prefer maintaining two separate pairs of glasses, while others find a single pair for all purposes considerably more convenient," Voon adds. "Your optometrist will consider both your visual requirements and your specific prescription when determining whether varifocal lenses are suitable for you."
Adjusting to Varifocal Glasses: Practical Advice
"My primary recommendation is to avoid overthinking the adjustment process," advises Jones. "When you consciously focus on wearing varifocal lenses, you make your brain more aware of the different transition zones within the lens. Instead, try to relax and allow your vision to adapt naturally without excessive concentration on the glasses themselves."
However, it remains essential to schedule follow-up appointments if you experience prolonged discomfort. "It's important to persevere with varifocals for several weeks to allow proper adaptation," Jones continues. "But if after a week or so they still feel unsuitable, revisit your dispensing optician to troubleshoot potential adjustment issues. Do not endure significant discomfort for too long. If after a month you are still not tolerating them well, it may be time to consider alternative vision correction options."
Recognising these signs and discussing them with your local optometrist can be the first step toward significantly improved visual comfort and a more seamless daily experience.
