Varifocals vs Bifocals: Complete Guide to Choosing Multifocal Lenses
Struggling with both distance and reading vision? You're not alone. Here's everything you need to know about choosing between varifocals and bifocals.
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Why Do You Need Multifocal Lenses?
Ever catch yourself holding a menu at arm's length or squinting to read a text? That's presbyopia, a natural, age-related change in your eyes that usually starts after 40.
The fix is easy, but the choices aren't: varifocals or bifocals? Both restore your focus, but in different ways. Here's what you need to know to find the right lens for your lifestyle and your budget.
Your Options:
- Separate pairs: Distance glasses + reading glasses (inconvenient)
- Bifocals: Two distinct zones - distance and reading
- Varifocals: Gradual change from distance to reading (no visible line)
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Varifocal Lenses (Progressive Lenses)
Most PopularThink of Varifocals as three pairs of glasses in one. They offer a smooth transition from distance vision at the top, through an intermediate zone (ideal for computer screens) in the middle, down to a dedicated reading power at the bottom. Because there's no aging bifocal line, they look just like regular single-vision glasses.
How Varifocals Work
Distance Zone
Driving, watching TV, walking around
Intermediate Zone
PC monitors, car dashboards & Tablet screens
Reading Zone
Books, phones, close-up work
Note: The grey areas in the diagram represent "peripheral softness", a normal feature of all varifocal lenses.
Advantages
- No visible line - looks like regular glasses
- Clear vision at all distances
- Smooth, natural vision transitions
- One pair for everything
Considerations
- Requires adaptation period (1-2 weeks)
- Soft focus areas at edges of lens
- Higher cost than bifocals
Varifocal Quality & Pricing
Higher quality lenses reduce the soft edges, giving you a wider reading and computer zone. We offer three varifocal tiers to suit your needs and budget:
Standard
£60.00
Ideal for first-time wearers, spare pairs, or if you have a lower prescription.
Premium
Recommended£87.00
Wide-corridor design with a significantly wider intermediate zone, perfect for office workers and drivers.
Elite
Easiest Adaptation£130.00
Advanced wide-corridor design provides the widest field of vision and most natural feel, making them easier to adapt to.
Prices shown are for lenses only. Frame prices vary.
Bifocal Lenses
Traditional ChoiceBifocals are the 'classic' multifocal solution. Designed with two distinct viewing zones separated by a visible line: clear distance vision on top, and a dedicated reading segment at the bottom. Whilst they don't offer the smooth transitions of varifocals, they remain popular for two reasons: their simplicity and their exceptionally wide reading area.
Which Bifocal Style Should You Choose?
Standard (D-Segment)
The most popular choice. It features a flat top which makes it easy for your eye to find the reading zone instantly. It offers the widest reading area for its size.
Round Segment
A circular reading zone. While the viewing area is slightly narrower at the top, some wearers prefer it because the curved shape is less noticeable on the lens.
Optician's Advice: If you are new to bifocals, we recommend the Standard (D-Segment). The flat top creates a distinct boundary that helps switch between distance and reading faster than the Round version.
Advantages
- No adaptation period needed
- Wider reading area than varifocals
- No peripheral distortion
- Lower cost than varifocals
Considerations
- Visible line on lens
- No intermediate (computer) zone
- "Image jump" when crossing the line
Varifocals vs Bifocals: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Varifocals | Bifocals |
|---|---|---|
| No visible line | ||
| Intermediate vision (computer) | ||
| Smooth focus transition | ||
| No adaptation needed | ||
| Budget friendly |
Choose Varifocals If You...
- Want one pair for everything
- Don't want a visible line
- Need vision at computer distance
Choose Bifocals If You...
- Want instant clarity with no adaptation
- Tried varifocals and couldn't adapt
- Are on a budget
Varifocal Adaptation: 5 Steps to Success
Most people adapt to varifocals within 1-2 weeks. Here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible:
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1
Wear Them Consistently
Avoid switching between your old and new glasses. Consistent use helps your eyes and brain adapt more quickly to the lens design.
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2
Lead With Your Nose
Move your head toward what you want to look at, rather than only shifting your eyes. Varifocals are designed to work best when you're looking through the centre of the lens corridor.
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3
Take Care on Stairs and Uneven Ground
Lower your chin slightly when approaching steps or kerbs. This keeps your view in the distance portion of the lens and prevents distorted angles.
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4
Expect a Short Adjustment Period
A brief feeling of distortion or "swim" is perfectly normal. Most people fully adapt within a few days to a week.
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5
Check the Fit
If your frames sit too low or slide down, the optical zones won't line up correctly. Make sure they fit securely and comfortably for the best clarity.
We're Here to Help
If after 2-3 weeks you're still finding it tricky, get in touch with us. Our team can talk you through the adaptation process and help find a solution that works for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Varifocal glasses, also known as progressive lenses, provide seamless vision correction for multiple distances in a single lens. Unlike bifocals, they have no visible line and offer a gradual transition from distance vision at the top, through intermediate vision in the middle, to near vision at the bottom.
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While we have the capability to fit cycling glasses with varifocals, we generally advise against it for optimal performance and safety. However, if you are considering varifocal lenses for your cycling glasses, we encourage you to get in touch with our customer service team.
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Ideally, yes. Varifocal glasses are designed for continuous wear, providing seamless vision correction throughout your day.
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Yes, varifocal glasses are highly effective for driving. They provide clear vision for the road, and dashboard. The only adjustment required is a slight head turn when checking side and rear-view mirrors to ensure you are looking through the clearest part of the lens.
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Absolutely! Varifocal lenses can be made in tinted versions for sunglasses, or with photochromic (Transitions) technology that darkens in sunlight. This is a popular option as it means you only need one pair for both indoor and outdoor use. Learn more about choosing the right sunglass tints.