Varifocal Lenses
Varifocal lenses are designed by computer programs to give a lens that gives vision in the distance, intermediate and near with no visible segments. The power of the lens changes from the top of the lens to the bottom with the distance area at the top, the intermediate in the centre and the reading area at the bottom.
Hence to look through the right area of the lens the head needs to be moved rather than the eyes - for instance for reading the chin must be tilted up so that the eyes look through the lower part of the lens. Most people get used to this in time and enjoy having vision at all distances rather than having to change specs or wear an unsightly bifocal lens.
Making a lens that gives vision at all distances is difficult and in order to achieve this some distortion will be seen when not looking through the centre area of the lens. This means that in order to look left and right the head needs to be moved rather than the eyes to keep clear vision.
The most modern varifocal lenses are tailor made to your prescription and your visual needs in an attempt to minimise the distortion.
Although they can be more expensive than bifocals due to the expensive computer technology required they offer many advantages in terms of vision and cosmesis. In this case, it is true that the more money spent on the lens the better the vision should be. Most manufacturers offer to refund the cost if you cannot get on with the lenses - so you shouldn’t be afraid to try.
Take a look at our latest lens, the Hoya iD Mystyle lens, which is tailor made for you.