There are many different types of varifocal lens on the market offering numerous benefits and features dependent upon your lifestyle, needs budget and requirements.
Typically referred to as standard, premium, free form, lifestyle and elite.
The main differences & features of varifocal lenses types are:
Simply put, the more advanced premium/lifestyle/elite options have a wider field of vision with less peripheral distortion. They are often much easier to adapt to because of this.
Different Varifocal Lens Options:
Varifocal lenses are available in nearly all lens materials, coatings and designs, such as high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, photochromic lenses and polarised lenses. An added benefit of a photochromic or polarised varifocal lens is that they shield your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Standard Varifocal Lenses:
Standard Varifocal lenses are the ‘entry level’ varifocal options and are chosen as an enhanced alternative to bifocals. They have clear vision and fairly wide focal areas for distance, reading and ‘in-between’. There will be some ‘peripheral distortion’ around the edge of the lens but this will be minimal and most customers will adapt to them very quickly.
Premium Varifocal Lenses:
Premium varifocal lenses, sometimes referred to as ‘free-form varifocals’ or ‘back-surfaced digital varifocal lenses’, are created using the latest computer driven equipment and have a wider field of vision at the distance, intermediate/in-between and reading focal points.
This is because the lens is a customised varifocal lens and made to fit within the frame you have purchased.
It is unique to your prescription and the lens shape of the frame you have chosen and therefore offers the fullest and widest vision possible with a smooth transition between the focal ranges. They have minimal peripheral distortion and are easy to adapt to.
Premium varifocal lenses offer much clearer vision at all points and are a significant step up from a standard varifocal lens in terms of vision, clarity, focus and ease of adapting to them.
Elite Varifocal lenses:
These varifocal lenses will have the widest field of vision at all focal points with much less distortion around the edges. They are tailor made varifocal lenses and customised and made to fit within the frame you have purchased. They are very easy to adapt to and again, free coatings may be included.
Lifestyle Varifocal lenses:
These are specific to different lifestyle or occupation vision needs or for those who are constantly shifting their focus between distance, intermediate and reading and will provide a wider and clearer field of vision when looking ahead or into the distance.
If you frequently perform tasks at arm's length like reading a book or using a tablet device then you'd appreciate a broader, more comfortable near zone of vision to help you see the details.
Occupational Varifocal Lenses:
Occupational Varifocals Lenses (sometimes referred to as office lenses) are ideal for people who work mainly at a fixed focus for extended periods.
These lenses provide wider areas in the focus field required, such as a desk or computer, but they are only designed for the specific area created for.
Who Makes The Best Varifocal Lenses in 2023?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are many, many different manufacturers who make all types of varifocal lenses to suit all needs and budgets.
Here are some of the more popular and advanced varifocal lens options:
Buying varifocal lenses online is quicker, more efficient and cheaper than visiting the high street.
Contact Us
Please don't hesitate to contact us should you require any further information and one of our advisers will be happy to assist you in selecting the correct varifocal lens for your prescription, lifestyle and budget.
Freephone: 0800 690 6220
sales@onlineopticiansuk.com
