How Long Will it Take to get Used to Varifocals?

If you're new to varifocal lenses you may need a little time to get used to them.

Varifocal lenses will slightly alter your peripheral vision due to the power changes that occur at the lens edges. Having a good lens design can help enormously by all but eliminating this peripheral distortion. Choosing a varifocal with as wide a field of view as possible will help you to adapt more easily.

Your Optician will discuss your visual needs and recommend the best lens for your visual requirements based on the types of tasks you carry out on a regular basis (different people have different visual needs) and taking into account your budget.

The initial difference in peripheral vision will probably require some slight changes to your head positioning and eye movements.

As you become accustomed to the lens, these positions will become routine and feel natural.

A few tips to help you adjust quickly and comfortably:

• Do not swap between your new varifocals and any old glasses you may have.

• Wear the new glasses as much as possible (even if you're not used to wearing glasses all the time). The more you wear them, the quicker you will get used to them.

• Turn your head to point in the direction of what you want to look at rather just moving your eyes.

• Keep your chin up and drop your eyes down in the lens for close work.

Any adaptation issues are usually overcome within the first couple of weeks, occasionally taking up to a month.

If you are struggling after this time period, go back to your Optician who will be more than happy to go through everything with you. Sometimes a simple frame adjustment may make a difference or just talking through with the Optician again, how the lens works.

There are a very few people that cannot get on with varifocals and your Optician will be happy to discuss the options with you if this is the case.