As we navigate through different stages of life, it becomes increasingly tempting to dismiss minor physical changes as inevitable consequences of ageing. However, when it comes to significant alterations in your vision, accepting these shifts without exploration can be detrimental to your quality of life. Often, the right optical solution can transform your daily experience, and for many, that solution comes in the form of varifocal lenses.
Understanding Varifocal Lens Technology
Denise Voon, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, provides a clear distinction between traditional and modern vision correction methods. "Normal glasses, which we call single vision glasses, are set for a specific task or distance," she explains. "So, you might have distance glasses and then also a separate pair of reading glasses, with the power on each of those remaining constant across the entire lens. In contrast, a varifocal lens incorporates your distance prescription at the top and gradually transitions down to your reading prescription at the bottom. This sophisticated design enables seamless focusing across all different levels and distances."
The Age Factor: When Presbyopia Typically Emerges
Dr Nabila Jones, an optometrist and research associate at Optegra, identifies the typical age range when varifocals become particularly relevant. "It does depend on the individual, but usually people notice changes with their near vision and might find varifocals helpful around 40 to 45," Voon confirms. Dr Jones elaborates on the physiological changes behind this: "In the age bracket of around 40 or over, that is typically when a condition called presbyopia takes effect. This occurs when the natural lens in your eye becomes less flexible, making it progressively harder to focus on close-up tasks such as reading or detailed work."
Six Key Indicators You Might Need Varifocal Lenses
Recognising the signs that your current vision correction might be inadequate is the first step toward finding a better solution. Here are six common indicators that varifocal lenses could significantly improve your visual experience:
- Difficulty Reading Small Text: "One of the first things people might start to notice is that they can't read the small print on medicine bottles anymore, or they begin to struggle reading a menu at a restaurant," Dr Jones points out. "People also find themselves holding a newspaper or a phone further away to achieve clearer focus."
- Regular Eye Strain and Headaches: "The second thing that many patients report is that they begin to notice more frequent eye strain and headaches while they are doing prolonged periods of work, which involves a computer or reading," Dr Jones observes. This discomfort often results from your eyes working overtime to compensate for inadequate correction.
- Slower Refocusing Between Distances: "You might notice that your eyes are taking longer to adjust when shifting focus from distant to near objects," Dr Jones explains. "For instance, if you're looking at a screen in the cinema and then glance at your watch to check the time, you might experience blurred vision that takes several moments to clear."
- Constantly Swapping Between Glasses: "If you already use separate reading glasses and distance glasses, a clear sign that varifocals might benefit you is if you're having to constantly change between them," Voon explains. "For example, needing distance glasses to watch television but then having to switch to reading glasses to consult the TV guide in a newspaper. This frequent switching indicates that having all corrections in one pair might be considerably more convenient."
- Needing Brighter Light to Read: "You might also start to notice that when you're reading, you are beginning to require significantly brighter illumination," Voon adds. "This could manifest as taking reading materials to the window for better light or using a torch to help decipher text. Such behaviour often signals that reading has started to become more challenging."
- Sore, Watery Eyes: "Another common symptom that people often report is that their eyes become a bit watery and sore because they're overcompensating and working their eyes really hard," Jones said. This physical discomfort is your body's way of indicating visual stress.
Professional Recommendations and Considerations
Voon outlines when optometrists typically suggest varifocals: "If you require both a separate distance prescription and a reading prescription, your optometrist might recommend varifocals as a comprehensive solution." She emphasises the importance of personalised assessment: "For some individuals, maintaining two separate pairs remains their preferred choice, but for others, having one pair of glasses for everything proves significantly more convenient. Your specific visual needs and your unique prescription are the two primary factors that your optometrist will consider and discuss with you when determining whether varifocals are suitable for your lifestyle."
Adjusting to Your New Varifocal Lenses
Transitioning to varifocal lenses requires patience and the right approach. "Try not to think about it too much," suggests Jones. "When you overanalyse the fact that you're wearing varifocal lenses, you make your brain more conscious of looking through different transition zones. Instead, try to switch off from the technical aspects and allow your vision to adapt naturally to the new lenses."
However, she offers crucial advice regarding prolonged discomfort: "It's important to give varifocals a proper trial period of several weeks, but if you feel that they are simply not working for you, then it's advisable after about a week to return and troubleshoot with your dispensing optician. They can determine whether it's an adjustment issue that can be resolved. I wouldn't recommend enduring any significant discomfort for too long. After approximately a month of wearing them, if you're still not tolerating them well, then you might want to explore alternative vision correction options that better suit your needs."
