How to Get Used to Varifocals

May 26, 2025By Kate Miller

Adapting to varifocal glasses can be a new and slightly strange experience if you’re a first time wearer. This post will hopefully help with your adaptation period, offering advice on varifocal glasses and tips for getting comfortable with your new lenses. Whether you're a newcomer to varifocals or just want to get-to-grips with them, the following guidance will pave the way for a smoother adjustment.

Remember that patience is paramount, and with time, your perseverance will be rewarded with a seamless vision across all visual distances.

Transitioning to Varifocal Glasses - An Introduction

Transitioning to varifocal glasses marks a significant milestone in the management of presbyopia, requiring both patience and practice to master their use.

Understanding Varifocal Lenses

Varifocals, also known as ‘progressives’ are an advanced type of multifocal lenses. As the name suggests, they help to correct your vision for multiple ‘visual zones’ ranging from;

Close vision (within 30cm)
Intermediate vision (arm’s length)
Distance vision (beyond arm’s length)

Instead of single vision lenses which only cater for one of these ‘zones’, varifocals can cater for all three in just one set of lenses. This is why they’re a great option for you if both your distance and close vision require correction.

At around the age of 40, the crystalline lens in your eye naturally begins to harden and stiffen, which makes it harder to compress (focus) on close-up objects within 30cm. Furthermore, the ciliary muscles that squeeze the crystalline lens in your eyes also begin to weaken. This deterioration is called presbyopia, causing you to hold your phone at arms length to see it properly. Yea, total bummer.

Definitions & Origins

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, were invented to provide a smooth transition between different focal points without the visible lines in bifocals. These lenses offer a gradient of vision, from distance at the top to near vision at the bottom, catering to the evolving needs of the ageing eye.

The Science Behind Varifocals

The science behind varifocals lies in their ability to incorporate multiple focal points within a single lens. This design minimises the need for multiple pairs of glasses, although it may introduce peripheral distortion at the edges of the lens. Getting used to your varifocals involves training your brain and eyes to navigate these zones effectively.

The Varifocal Adjustment Period

During the varifocal adjustment period, you'll become acquainted with the different focal points and learn to manage peripheral distortion around the edges of the lens.

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks

As you get used to your varifocals, expect a period of adaptation where your brain and eyes adjust to the new visual experience. This may involve some initial disorientation and the need to learn how to move your eyes, rather than your head, to bring objects into clear focus.

Mastering the Use of Varifocal Glasses

Mastering the use of varifocal glasses is a gradual process, particularly for those experiencing presbyopia for the first time. You can enhance your vision and comfort with the right advice on varifocal glasses.

Essential Tips for New Varifocal Glasses Users

Essential tips for getting used to varifocal glasses include starting with everyday activities and building up to more complex visual tasks as your confidence grows.

Patience Is Key - Allow Time for Adaptation

Allowing time for adaptation is crucial when transitioning to varifocals. Patience is key as your vision and brain adapt to the new way of seeing. Feeling fully comfortable can take several weeks, so give yourself grace during this period.

Start with Familiar Activities

Beginning with familiar activities can ease the transition to varifocals. If you previously used reading glasses, start by reading at a comfortable distance, gradually adjusting to the varifocal reading zone.

Optimising Your Varifocal Experience

To optimise your varifocal experience, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the focal points and be aware of peripheral distortion.

Ensure Correct Fit and Positioning

Ensure your glasses fit properly and sit correctly on your face to minimise distortion. The parts of the lenses should align with your eyes, with the centre of the lens matching your line of sight.

Engage in Varied Visual Tasks

Engaging in varied visual tasks helps you acclimate to your varifocals' new visual fields. From reading fine print to looking at distant scenery, practice will improve your overall comfort and dexterity.

Troubleshooting Common Varifocal Challenges

Troubleshooting common challenges with varifocals involves understanding how they affect peripheral vision, addressing headaches and dizziness, and mastering the reading portion while performing tasks such as climbing the stairs.

How to Overcome Initial Discomfort

Adapting to varifocals can initially cause some discomfort due to changes in how one you perceive depth and motion. Over time, the user's visual system adjusts to the new visual cues provided by the lenses, reducing the initial challenges.

Addressing Distortions and Blurriness

Varifocals can initially cause distortions and blurriness as the eye transitions between different lens designs. To alleviate this, wearers should slowly move their head rather than just their eyes, allowing the brain to adapt to the gradual change in prescription across the lens.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If initial discomfort persists or affects vision and satisfaction with varifocals, it is advisable to consult an optometrist for an expert assessment and possible lens adjustments.

Book an Eye Appointment for Personalised Help

Booking an eye appointment can provide personalised help for varifocal adjustments. An optometrist can ensure the glasses fit properly and educate wearers on how to optimise their use, enhancing the transition to wearing varifocals effectively.

Selecting the Right Type of Varifocal Lenses

When selecting varifocals, it's important to consider entry-level varifocal lenses for first-time users. These lenses can offer a smoother transition and are typically designed to reduce the effects of peripheral distortion and blurriness.

Advancing with Varifocals - Practical Exercises

To reduce peripheral distortion, users should perform exercises that involve focusing on objects at varying distances and angles. This can train the eyes to adapt more quickly to the varifocals' different visual zones.

Gradually Expand Your Visual Horizons

Expanding visual horizons with varifocals involves gradually increasing the complexity of visual tasks as the brain and eyes adapt to the new lenses.

Experiment with Different Environments

Trying out varifocals in various environments—like at home, outside, or at the supermarket—helps the eyes learn to adjust to different light levels, distances, and visual demands typical of each setting.

Practice Makes Perfect - Regular Usage Tips

Regular use of varifocals is essential. Giving the brain time to adjust to interpreting visual information through the new lenses will, over time, result in a more natural and comfortable visual experience.

Embracing Varifocal Lenses Long Term

Embracing varifocals long-term involves choosing the right frame shape to complement the lenses and ensuring consistent wearing of your glasses to maintain clear vision at all distances.

Adjusting Lifestyle Habits for Varifocal Harmony

For those who have recently started to wear varifocal lenses, integrating them into daily life requires some adjustments. Varifocals demand a different visual approach, where reliance on peripheral vision is more pronounced. By consciously incorporating varied activities that keep the brain active, users can enhance their adaptability to these lenses. Activities such as walking in nature, which naturally engages peripheral vision, can be particularly beneficial.

Mixing Up Your Routine for Better Adjustment

Getting used to varifocal lenses involves a proactive approach to daily routines. It's beneficial to introduce a variety of tasks that require different visual focuses, such as switching between reading and looking at distant objects. This not only keeps the brain active but also accelerates the adjustment to the lenses. Engaging in hobbies that involve detailed work can also help in adapting to the different portions of the varifocal lens.

Embracing the Versatility of Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal lenses offer a seamless transition between different visual zones, making them a versatile option for those with presbyopia. Embracing their flexibility involves regularly practising gaze shifts from close-up tasks to distance viewing, which can help the eyes adjust more quickly. Activities such as cooking, which require looking at both close ingredients and distant timers, can be an effective way to get accustomed to the lens gradient.

Beyond the Basics - Expanding Your Varifocal Knowledge

As one delves deeper into the world of varifocals, understanding the nuances becomes essential. Knowledge about how progressive lenses work and what to do if a prescription has changed can empower users to make informed choices. This includes recognising when to opt for specialised coatings or designs that can enhance visual comfort and acuity.

The Pros and Cons of Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, offer a multifocal visual solution without the segmentation of a pair of bifocal glasses. However, they may require an adaptation period to get used to the gradual change in lens strength across different visual zones.

Weighing the Benefits Against the Adjustments

Choosing a pair of glasses with varifocal lenses means weighing the uninterrupted field of vision they offer against the initial adjustment period. While the benefits include a visually appealing lens without lines, it's important to be patient and allow time for the eyes and brain to adapt to the new visual experience.

Long-Term Satisfaction for Varifocal Glasses Users

Despite early challenges, long-term satisfaction for varifocal glasses users is common. With time, the brain's visual processing adjusts, leading to greatly improved visual acuity at all distances. Consistent wear is key, as it allows the eyes to become proficient in navigating the different lens zones.