Varifocal Glasses: A Technological Marvel

A technological marvel in the eyewear industry — varifocals are a boon for people with presbyopia and simultaneous near and distance vision problems. Also known as progressive lenses (PALs), varifocals are a fascinating optical creation that supports up to three prescriptions in a single lens. Therefore, these glasses can correct near, intermediate and distance vision, all without you having to switch your spectacles. Join us, as we take you through an updated roadmap of varifocal glasses, their functioning, benefits, and types.

What are Varifocal Lenses?

Varifocal glasses are high-performance lenses with a gradual change in prescription strength from the top of the lens to the bottom. They offer a seamless and inconspicuous look without demarcating lines on the lenses. Varifocals contain multiple focal points for crystal clear and seamless sight across all distances — near, intermediate and far. Varifocal lenses are used when you have prescriptions — one for near-sightedness and another for far-sightedness.

The greatest benefit of varifocals is that you do not need to buy and tend to two separate pairs of spectacles or switch between frames for holistic vision care. Contrary to popular belief, varifocal glasses are not a novel phenomenon. They have been around since the early 20th century. The first patent for varifocal lenses was created at the dawn of the 1900s, but they were made commercially available only in 1955. Irving Ripps from Younger Opticals developed the ‘Younger Seamless Bifocal,’ which was an embryonic prototype of the current progressive lenses and had a very basic design.

How Do Varifocals Work?

Varifocal lenses work by changing power from the top to the bottom of the lens. Thus, moving your eyes up and down the lens will provide clear vision at all distances — near, far and intermediate. So, whether you are driving, working on a computer, or reading a book, seamless and comfortable vision is guaranteed.

Modern varifocals operate through three distinct portions, all of which are infused within a single. And, the most appealing part is that the lens of varifocals does not have any visible lines. The three zones within a varifocal lens are -

• Distance Zone — It is the ‘upper’ section of the varifocal lens that provides the view area for faraway focal points. This zone is most used when engaging in activities like driving. You might notice a small amount of soft focus at the edge of your vision.
• Intermediate Zone — The distance and reading areas of varifocals are connected via a ‘corridor’ of intermediate powers for mid-range vision.
• Near or Reading Zone — It is the ‘bottom section of a varifocal lens that facilitates near-vision. This zone is most utilised for tasks up close to activities like reading, stitching, etc.

Because of the presence of multiple zones, varifocals have an element of peripheral distortion — something that is completely normal for their design. But, the premium varifocals found nowadays manage distortion better by moving it towards the extreme edge of the lens and offering a wider field of vision and better usability.

Who Needs Varifocals?

Varifocals are special lenses that correct near and distance vision simultaneously. Therefore, people who have presbyopia (usually individuals above the age of 40) and another refractive error like myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism can use progressive lenses to see different distances for varying tasks, such as driving and reading.

Thus, individuals with more than refractive errors do not need two separate pairs of glasses. Moreover, varifocals are also a class apart from bifocals, as the former does not have any distinguishing line separating the three focal zones. So, the onlooker cannot make out if you have presbyopia or other related vision problems.

How is Specscart Revolutionising Varifocal Spectacles Online?

At Specscart, we firmly believe that everyone deserves to provide optimum care for their vision. High-tech and advanced lenses like varifocals should be available and accessible to all, without any cost barriers. Specscart strives to cater to this goal by ensuring that premium varifocal glasses are ideally priced and people from different sections can afford to take the best care of their sight-related requirements.

Currently, Specscart offers three different types of varifocals that are priced much lower than high-street costs. The first on the list is Innovator 4D that is equipped with patented Digital Path-Ray technology to cater to everyone’s digital lifestyles and offer the smoothest transition between different fields of vision. These varifocal spectacles online are priced as ￡84.

The second type of varifocals you can try out from Specscart is the Innovator UHD. These lenses are priced at ￡125. These high-tech progressives come with the patented Digital Path-Ray technology and aberration system for sharpest precision and the widest fields of vision across all levels. If you want the best of both worlds — the Innovator UHD is the best option.

Lastly, Specscart brings the pioneering lens technology of Zeiss and makes them accessible to all. Our SmartLife Plus Varifocals are priced at ￡205 — a cost that you will not find anywhere. These are among the most advanced varifocals designed for people with fast-paced and on-the-go lifestyles.

Wrapping It Up

So, there we have it, a comprehensive overview of how and why varifocals are a technological marvel in the eyewear. Specscart aims to make these advanced lenses accessible to all by optimising the prices, offering various useful add-ons, and providing multiple options so that there is something for everyone!