Varifocals

Maggierose I went to that well-known opticians a few years ago and chose varifocals for the first time.
Unfortunately, I just couldnt get on with them, felt sick, unbalanced on the stairs etc. They had said if, after three weeks, you still can't get on with them, come back.

I did and they changed the lens for bifocals, free of charge.

MerylStreep

This thread has made me wonder how many people have been told to get used to them then given up and put them in a drawer.

I just could not get on with them- and went back 3 times. Kept being told to persevere, but I was feeling sick and tripping on the stairs. Then we had to rush off to look after my very ill parents abroad. Mum died, our house in the UK fell through- my dad had to go into a home and didn't settle. A total nightmare. By the time I went back to Vision Express they said 'oh no it's too late now!' 500 quid down the drain.

When I had an eye test here to exchange UK licence, as per the law- they found out I do not have proper 3 D vision. I asked if it would make me unsuitable for vary focals. Yes, they replied, totally unsuitable for you.

Went to Vision Express and wrote to Head Office- not a penny back. They are still in the games cupboard- must remember to give them to charity.

It is easier to get used to progressive power lenses when the extra power needed for close work and reading at the bottom of the lenses, is not so much, and feet are not too blurred! It’s harder to adapt if you have needed reading glasses for many years.
I have just got my new ones ( 2 weeks) - only a small step up in power from my old ones, so I’m just about ok now, but I started in progressives 20 years ago. I remember my grandmother not feeling safe in her bifocal glasses because she could not see steps clearly.
My previous pair of progressive glasses needed to be adjusted ( when I first got them) so that they tipped into my cheeks slightly at the bottom, and that helped for me.
I would give them a few days- but if you don’t gradually get used to them, go back to your optometrist/ optician and check the glasses are centred and fitted optimally. If you really can’t manage them your optician should offer an alternative.

Maggierose, it does take a couple of days to get used to it. Don’t give up.

I meant to say that my prescription has changed every year, so an expensive business!

I too have been wearing varifocals for about thirty years. For the first two days, I did have a problem with looking down, but that soon passed, once I got the hang of it.
Now, I wouldn't be without them.

When I was teaching I always had a pair on my head for reading and a separate pair for looking around the classroom. It became such a faff, changing them all the time!

This thread has made me wonder how many people have been told to get used to them then given up and put them in a drawer.

The first time I wore varifocals - some 25 years ago, I noticed that flat work tops seemed to be slightly curved but my eyes/brain soon adjusted. When I look down, the ground around my feet is clear, so no problems with steps. The only problem I have with varifocals is when shopping and I have to tip my head back to read labels on higher shelves.

My lenses are coated to help to prevent glare especially when driving the car and react to light so darken when out in sunshine.

I am long sighted so do not need glasses for driving (the speedo can look a bit blurry without them) however, my arms are not long enough to read normal print and I was always taking my single focus specs on and off - I tried putting glasses on a chain round my neck but kept knocking and damaging them.

I have regular checks with the optician but my eyes are not changing much and I haven't needed new glasses for several years so, although varifocals are expensive, I think think they are cost effective.

I agree with MerylStreep, it sounds as if your prescription is wrong. I suppose the type of correction you need must be relevant but I just wear my varifocal glasses all the time and forget about them.

Several people have mentioned SpecSavers. That was the first place I complained: loudly.
Make sure you get good lenses. Ziess have always worked for me.

I've had varifocals for 25 years. When I first got them, they didn't seem quite right so I went back to the optician who adjusted the fit and since that moment I've never had any problems with them. You need to go back to the optician, or maybe get a second opinion. It could be that the fit is wrong or that the lenses have been wrongly prescribed.

Another thumbs up for varifocals took me a week to adjust but i soon got used to them.

I wear varifocals and have done for many years. It took me 2 weeks for my eyes to adjust to my first pair. When my eyes got tired I wore my previous old specs to give my eyes a rest.
After 2 weeks something ‘clicked’ in my brain and I was used to them.
I agree with Grannynannywanny about tucking your chin in when going downstairs. Also looking straight on without trying to glimpse sideways through the lens.
I hope you get used to your pair, I think mine are wonderful!

I tried pair, couldn't get on with them. The optitian changed the prescription slightly, they were worse. So they gave me two pairs, for reading and driving, for free. They said some people just don't suit them.

DH loves his though, he has worn them for years.

I’ve had my varifocals for 2 years and I’m happy with them. My brother had tried them a couple of years before me and didn’t take to them and did his best to put me off going for them. But the deal in Specsavers was they could be returned if not fully satisfied within 2 weeks. So, I decided to have them.

The best tip the optician gave me was to put my chin on my chest when going downstairs, stepping off kerb etc. Otherwise you’re not looking through the correct lens and at risk of a stumble. I found I got used to them quickly and have never regretted my decision. Hopefully if you go carefully out and about you’ll soon be confident.

I’ve worn varifocals for many years but disagree with MerylStreep in that It took me about 3 weeks to get used to them. Each time I have a change of lense (over the years) it has always taken some weeks to get used to the new prescription but once used to it I love them.

I can't get along with varifocals either Maggierose I get my glasses from Specsavers as well. I discussed it with them as I was concerned they may phase out bifocals. The optician said bifocals are fine if that suits me and they will continue to provide them. Go with whatever makes you most comfortable.

I've worn them for years too, they did take a short time to get used too. I wouldn't ever have anything else.
I use Specsavers and have the most expensive lenses, there is no dramatic change in the vision through the lenses.

I have varifocals but can’t read through the close up bit so I have reading glasses too. I also have prescription sun glasses because after cataract surgery my eyes are very sensitive to light. I still need a hat with a peak every time the sun comes out. Just one pair of glasses would be nice.

Wow, what quick responses! I’m impressed with Gransnet. I’ll keep trying but will ring specsavers if there’s no improvement

Maggierose
Your prescription is wrong, it shouldn’t be like that.
I’ve had varifocals for over 30 years and because my first pair were absolutely perfect I knew what to expect.
I have complained many times that the prescription wasn’t right.
About 4 years ago it took me 3 different opticians to get it right.
Don’t be fobbed off with you’ll get used to them you shouldn’t have to.

I had some bifocals which I hoped to wear all the time but they made me feel dizzy especially walking, and I couldn’t get used to them .
I use them for watching tv now, it’s useful for reading subtitles, as everyone seems to be mumbling.....

Give it a little longer.
I was always looking for my glasses and opted for varifocals before I really needed them. It took a little while to get used to them but saved so much time it was worth it.

Same here, Maggirose I daren't go out in my varifocals either.
I will be interested to see if other people have any tips.

I've worn varifocals for years. Quite honestly I can't remember how easily it was to adjust to them. I remember being a little unsure of stairs and kerbs. Driving was fine.
Once you've adjusted I'm sure you will like them. I'm sorry I don't have any tips, but perseverance will pay off.

Welcome to Gransnet.

Welcome Maggierose. Don't go down an escalator wearing varifocals. I now have a phobia!