Both Bifocals and Varifocals allow you to see more than one distance. This is different to distance and reading glasses, which only focus one distance.
Bifocals
Bifocals focus two distances – far away from you, eg. road signs and television; and near, eg. books and magazines.
Bifocals have a line across the lower part of the lens. Above the line, the lens focuses the distance vision. Below the line, the prescription is designed to help you see close work.
This line is visible to other people, so they can see that you are wearing a bifocal lens. Some people also find it strange having a sudden change within the lens, from distance to near. However, most people get on well with bifocals.
Varifocals
Varifocals focus many distances, including distance, intermediate (eg. computer distance) and close.
Varifocals do not have a line on the lens; instead, the lens changes strength gradually. The lens is designed so that you can see the distance when you are looking straight ahead, you can see intermediate distance slightly below this, and the reading portion of the lens is slightly lower still.
Varifocals do take some getting used to. However, most people find them convenient and easy to use.
If you would like to try Bifocal or Varifocal lenses, please contact us on the number at the bottom of this page!