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Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:05 am
by Steve1956
Just changed my distance & reading glasses to a single pair of varifocals,struggling to read with them,anyone else use these and how long does it take to work them out
can't seem to position my head and my ipad in the correct position,
at times it looks like the ipad is a curved shape ....so weird trying to master them,anyone else have initial problems and then eventually sussed them ?
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:10 am
by ClaretCliffofDover
I got a pair about two weeks ago, and they still go a bit trippy at times, but at least I can go shopping now and not have to take my glasses off every time I try to read the shopping list
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:13 am
by fatboy47
I once had a questioning gaze from a very unsympathetic judge, over the top of his half moon specs.. Not a nice sight.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:13 am
by Steve1956
ClaretCliffofDover wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:10 am
I got a pair about two weeks ago, and they still go a bit trippy at times, but at least I can go shopping now and not have to take my glasses off every time I try to read the shopping list
Tripping on steps has become the norm ,said to the wife I'll just go back to my old 2 pairs...she blew a fuse
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:22 am
by boatshed bill
I had a pair a while ago, gave up on them very quickly.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:35 am
by BigAlClaret
I tried and failed with my first pair.I found it impossible to follow football:I just couldn't anticipate where the ball was going and it seemed to bend in mid air.Eventually I figured them out and with the right pair it's become second nature
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:52 am
by Suratclaret
Used varifocals for years. They do take a lot of getting used to…so you need to persevere. If you’re still having a problem after several weeks, go back to the opticians as they can adjust how the frames sit on your nose and ears. I’ve done that on two occasions and a slight adjustment has solved the problem. I wouldn’t go back to “ordinary” specs.
Don’t give up!
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:28 pm
by Rodleydave
Mrs T has no problem, but then she wouldn't would she, and is adamant I should get some. I am resisting.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:31 pm
by Steve1956
Rodleydave wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:28 pm
Mrs T has no problem, but then she wouldn't would she, and is adamant I should get some. I am resisting.
Resist...Resist.....I'm struggling
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:32 pm
by Bosscat
Been using varifocals for around 22 years ... DO NOT GET THEM FROM SPECSAVERS THEY ARE SHOITE ... Boots Opticians are great.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:42 pm
by MarbellaClaret
Had mine over 8 year now from Browns Opticians in town preservered at the start now perfect and taken for granted. Good luck
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:45 pm
by Steve1956
Bosscat wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:32 pm
Been using varifocals for around 22 years ... DO NOT GET THEM FROM SPECSAVERS THEY ARE SHOITE ... Boots Opticians are great.
Pmsl...my previous glasses where from Boots,my varifocals are from Specsavers....BOOTS OPTICIANS ARE SHOITE
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:51 pm
by Bosscat
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:56 pm
by Suratclaret
On my fifth pair from Specsavers and never had any problems. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The only time I experienced real difficulties was with Boots. It turned out that they had made a mistake in the prescription.
As I said earlier, varifocals take some getting used to so don’t expect to find them perfect from day one.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:01 pm
by Steve1956
Suratclaret wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:56 pm
On my fifth pair from Specsavers and never had any problems. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The only time I experienced real difficulties was with Boots. It turned out that they had made a mistake in the prescription.
As I said earlier, varifocals take some getting used to so don’t expect to find them perfect from day one.
Specsavers 2 v 1 Boots
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:05 pm
by Bosscat
Steve1956 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:01 pm
Specsavers 2 v 1 Boots
Will do em on the replay
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:08 pm
by Dark Cloud
Preserve as initially they definitely take some getting used to, but it's worth it. Most people who start wearing glasses at first wear them down the end of their nose and that's a habit you have to kick with varifoculs. They have to be pushed right up your nose so you look down to read by moving your eyes mostly and not your head. Also, make sure you choose larger frames as they really don't work properly with with small frames. I got some with frames which were too small and can definitely identify with the "trippy" comment!!
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:08 pm
by Steve1956
Bosscat wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:05 pm
Will do em on the replay
Replay?..get tae feck it was a one off.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:11 pm
by Steve1956
Bosscat wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:05 pm
Will do em on the replay
Have you ever had a go at building a dry stone wall?
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:19 pm
by ArnoldBenson
Got varifocals about 8 years ago, struggled for a few weeks, fell off kerbs etc. Persevered and soon got used to them. A couple of years ago I felt like a nodding dog moving my head about to focus between lengths so when I had my eye test I decided to get 2 pairs instead. After 3 months got fed up swopping between them to read labels in shop etc so dug out the varifocals and stuck with them since. Recent pair had to be returned due to lower reading part of lens being too small compared to distance section. Used Boots for many years due to excellent dedicated optician but he recently retired so will reassess on next visit.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:43 pm
by dougcollins
More head movement involved, so you're looking through the right bit at the right time.
Second nature once you sort it.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:52 pm
by Bosscat
ArnoldBenson wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:19 pm
Got varifocals about 8 years ago, struggled for a few weeks, fell off kerbs etc. Persevered and soon got used to them. A couple of years ago I felt like a nodding dog moving my head about to focus between lengths so when I had my eye test I decided to get 2 pairs instead. After 3 months got fed up swopping between them to read labels in shop etc so dug out the varifocals and stuck with them since. Recent pair had to be returned due to lower reading part of lens being too small compared to distance section. Used Boots for many years due to excellent dedicated optician but he recently retired so will reassess on next visit.
2-2
Steve1956 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:01 pm
Specsavers 2 v 1 Boots
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 3:00 pm
by Roger1960
My experience and advice from a couple of opticians is to first get used to them with the best quality lenses you can afford not spec savers but they can be very pricey. My prescription from an independent optician cost over £400. It’s vital they get the lens exactly positioned for reading etc my first pair and another one I had later had to be remade when they didn’t centre them properly on my pupils. After I got used to them using the expensive ones I found I could then migrate to cheaper lenses ie from spec savers but when I tried with them as my first pair I couldn’t get used to them. So my advice is start with a small optician and the best lenses you can afford there is a lot of difference in them and subsequently try cheaper ones , mine are all from spec savers now
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 3:47 pm
by sjb
Roger1960 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 3:00 pm
My experience and advice from a couple of opticians is to first get used to them with the best quality lenses you can afford not spec savers but they can be very pricey. My prescription from an independent optician cost over £400. It’s vital they get the lens exactly positioned for reading etc my first pair and another one I had later had to be remade when they didn’t centre them properly on my pupils. After I got used to them using the expensive ones I found I could then migrate to cheaper lenses ie from spec savers but when I tried with them as my first pair I couldn’t get used to them. So my advice is start with a small optician and the best lenses you can afford there is a lot of difference in them and subsequently try cheaper ones , mine are all from spec savers now
Not sure if you've actually been to Specsavers but I can assure you they aren't cheap. I bought some varifocals there last week and the most expensive lenses plus frames came to just short of £400. Their 2 for 1 offer meant I got a pair of sunglasses with the same prescription as well.
The worst glases I've ever had came from a small independent optician who charged the earth for a pair which literally broke whilst I was wearing them.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 3:55 pm
by Pearcey
Must admit I didn’t struggle at all with them. Couldn’t do without them now. Got mine from Vision Express.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 4:18 pm
by PaintYorkClaretnBlue
I got mine from vision express in Skipton, there are different quality ones so I went for the best, I haven’t had any problems with them at all.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 5:48 pm
by lesxdp
I have worn them for years, and I would just add that when reading etc. the distance that you are drom it makes a difference as well as the position of the eyes.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 6:00 pm
by Aclaret
Steve1956 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:13 am
Tripping on steps has become the norm ,said to the wife I'll just go back to my old 2 pairs...she blew a fuse
Yeah same problem with steps....my feet hit the floor before my eyes see it !
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2023 6:29 pm
by Volvoclaret
Tried varifocals twice over 3 month periods but couldn't get used to them and gave up.
Mind you got top half from Boots and bottoms from Specsavers.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 12:23 am
by rob63
On my 4th or 5th prescription (from Specsavers), they warned me some people struggle with them (true, my friend can't wear them) but said to try one pair of a 2 for 1, of the best range, first, to see how I got on. Never looked back, slight problem judging steps going down initially, presumably because I was looking through the reading bit, but i soon adjusted automatically. Worn them ever since with no problems
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 12:56 am
by Funkydrummer
Point with the nose, tune with the chin.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 1:52 am
by IanMcL
I had distance and another pair for reading - which I lost, so bought a £1 pair. Two pairs on head not great, when both on action, one after the other.
Checked out Laser - too old.
Rang Moorfields. Replacement lens- tri focal. Both eyes at same time. Wonderful. I am now 70 and have 20-20 vision. Should have done it years ago. Forget glasses.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 8:34 am
by claretabroad
I just got my first pair about 4 months back and it was tough at the start. I would have got rid of them after a couple of weeks if they weren't so expensive. I was getting headaches and was struggling to find the sweet spot at different distances. I'm glad I persevered as they are now great but its certainly a tricky learning curve.
My advice is to stick with them. It takes time but it is great when it finally clicks.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 12:55 pm
by gtclaret
Steve1956 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:05 am
Just changed my distance & reading glasses to a single pair of varifocals,struggling to read with them,anyone else use these and how long does it take to work them out
can't seem to position my head and my ipad in the correct position,
at times it looks like the ipad is a curved shape ....so weird trying to master them,anyone else have initial problems and then eventually sussed them ?
I seem to be the resident Optometrist (retired) on here.The position of the spectacles may need adjustments as it appears that you are looking outside the channel as you eyes gaze down from the distance to the reading position. There are other reasons of course,your brain adjusting could be one of them.Fo you suffer from vertigo? Or any balance issues,even tinitus,is so it could take a little longer to get used to them.Keep trying,if it doesn't improve,go back to the Optician.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 2:29 pm
by elwaclaret
As gt suggests fitting is very important… your PD needs to be measured correctly to allow for a natural ‘drop’ down the lens. Budget and own brands tend to have a less natural drop, the likes of Essilor (valilux) are much easier to get used to and tend to have wider reading segments.
Main thing with varis is measuring and fitting, both are vital.
(Not an oo but worked closely with DO’s and did a vast amount of dispensing while managing a group of opticians for ten years through the naughties)
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 2:40 pm
by Clovius Boofus
Apparently, you can get no-line bifocals. Fine for those who just want distance and close up, and I dare say they are easier to adjust to? Some people can't cope with varifocals, no matter how hard they try.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 6:19 pm
by JohnMac
If you go for the cheaper option you will probably struggle forever but if you upgrade to the best option £££, they are so much easier to use.
All to do with the size of the lenses.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 7:59 pm
by elwaclaret
Clovius Boofus wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 2:40 pm
Apparently, you can get no-line bifocals. Fine for those who just want distance and close up, and I dare say they are easier to adjust to? Some people can't cope with varifocals, no matter how hard they try.
They selling them as bifocals now? They were called compacts… achieved by squashing out the mid range I.e. computer distance. They have the same drop as Essilor lenses but the Varilux has both the intermediate and a much wider reading area.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 8:10 am
by Clovius Boofus
elwaclaret wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 7:59 pm
They selling them as bifocals now? They were called compacts… achieved by squashing out the mid range I.e. computer distance. They have the same drop as Essilor lenses but the Varilux has both the intermediate and a much wider reading area.
They might be called compacts. I only found out about no-line 'bifocals' recently.
Re: Varifocals
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 1:20 pm
by turfytopper
Didn't wear glasses until I turned 40...then needed reading glasses to help with the computer etc. Shortly after that I had an eye problem which led to a stigmatism. Now I had a distance and reading prescription. Went for varifocals never having worn glasses in everyday use. I took to them like a duck to water......no problems whatsoever. I do pay for the better lens (wider view).
Its now 20 years...I ride motorbikes and drive for a living ....they are perfect for me.
And I used Specsavers who I think have been brilliant throughout.
