Heard bad things about varifocal glasses? Here’s why that’s not your future—with the right fit and expert guidance.
Are you tired of juggling multiple pairs of glasses every day?
At Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians, we speak with hundreds of people each year who are experiencing this exact problem every day – they’re either struggling to read, use their smartphone or laptop and think they just have to “put up with it”; or they’re using cheap and cheerful magnifying glasses but are constantly on and off with them; or they’re walking around with two or more pairs of glasses that they have to juggle with depending on whether they’re doing close work activities or looking at things further away. What a hassle!
Whether you’re working full time, heading into retirement, or just noticing changes in your near vision, choosing the right lens solution can feel overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what varifocal lenses are, how they work, what to expect when adjusting to them, and how to choose the right type based on your lifestyle and budget. You’ll also learn how to overcome common concerns like distortion or visual discomfort so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Are Varifocal Lenses?
Varifocals, also known as “progressive lenses”, offer a smooth, seamless range of vision from far away to close-to and everything in-between. They allow you to see clearly across a range of distances without the need for multiple pairs of glasses.
Is There More Than One Type of Varifocal Lens?
Yes! There are as many different varifocal lenses on the market as there are cars on the road. And whilst they’re all designed to do the same thing, there’s a broad spectrum when it comes to quality, both in terms of the lens design (how the lenses provide you with vision) and the materials they’re made of.
If we think about cars, they are all essentially the same thing under the bonnet – a combustion engine (or batteries!), four wheels and a steering wheel. Whether it’s a Ferrari Testarossa or a Reliant Robin (okay, it’s only got three wheels), they both take you from A to B. But the driving experience will be very different in the Ferrari compared to the Robin Reliant.
Similarly, all varifocal lenses are designed to do the same thing – provide seamless vision from long distance to close-to and everything in between, but some varifocal lenses are like a Ferrari Testarossa, whilst others are more like a Reliant Robin.
To extend the analogy further, think iPhone 16 versus a Nokia 3310.
One of the reasons you can find “cheap” varifocal lenses is because some opticians continue to provide outdated varifocal lens designs, which can lead to many of the visual problems and frustrations we’ll discuss in the next section.
As eyecare practitioners and eyewear stylists, one of our roles is to enable you to achieve the best vision possible, which is why we only work with premium lens partners who make precision lenses using the latest manufacturing technologies and computerised designs to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Why Might People Struggle with Varifocals at First?
The most common hesitation we hear about varifocal lenses is based on stories—often second-hand—of people feeling dizzy, disoriented, or frustrated. These issues are more common with older-generation lenses (see above), poor fitting frames, and/or inaccurate fitting of varifocal lenses. But with today’s advanced manufacturing techniques and the personalized measurements we take to optimize the prescription, those problems are almost entirely avoidable.
In fact, at C&R the number of people who genuinely can’t get on with varifocal lenses is less than 1%. That’s because we take the time to understand your lifestyle and vision needs, which helps us recommend and choose the right lens type from the start.
We have many clients who have been unsuccessful varifocal wearers in the past or have even been told that they can’t wear varifocals who are now wearing varifocal lenses supplied by us happily and comfortably.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Varifocal Lenses?
Most people adjust to varifocals in just a few days to two weeks, but everyone is different. A key to your success is consistency – wearing them full-time, especially during the first few weeks, helps your eyes and brain adapt faster.
Our expert eyewear stylists will help you to get used to your new varifocal lenses and offer practical advice and tips on maximizing your success.
Patience pays off—soon enough, they’ll feel completely natural.
Are Varifocals Really Uncomfortable or Dangerous to Wear?
Not at all. Premium varifocal lenses are designed to minimize distortion, and many are custom-made to fit your prescription, face shape, how the frame sits on your face, and your chosen frame. Yes, you may need to adjust your posture or reading angle at first, but that quickly becomes second nature.
And if driving is a concern, know that varifocals offer excellent clarity for both the road and the dashboard—making them safer and more convenient than switching between glasses.
What If I Pick the Wrong Type of Varifocal Lens?
That’s a valid concern—and it’s why we guide you through your options. From standard to premium lenses, each type has benefits based on how you spend your day (e.g. office work, driving, hobbies etc) and what level of vision you’re wanting to achieve.
At Clarke & Roskrow, we never take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. And with our 60-Day Love Your Glasses Guarantee, you won’t be stuck with something that doesn’t work for you. That’s how confident we are in our products and our process.
How Can You Make Varifocals More Comfortable Over Time?
Routine maintenance and regular check-ins are essential. Your eyes change, your activities might too, and your frames may get out of line with regular wear, so small adjustments to the frame fitting can make a big difference.
We offer ongoing aftercare, frame and lens servicing, and re-fittings to ensure long-term comfort. Keep your lenses clean with a microfiber cloth and suitable lens cleaning spray, and always store them properly to prevent warping or scratches.
How Clarke & Roskrow Helps You Avoid These Varifocal Problems
With decades of experience and only working with premium lens partners renowned for making lenses of superior optical clarity, we help you avoid the common pitfalls that lead to discomfort or failure. We listen, we measure, and we tailor everything to you.
And our results speak for themselves—fewer than 1 in 100 clients can’t adapt to varifocal lenses.
Conclusion
You now have a clearer understanding of how varifocal lenses work and how they can simplify your daily life by replacing multiple pairs of glasses with just one.
If you’ve been frustrated by blurry near vision, constant glasses-swapping, or the idea that ‘you just have to live with it,’ you’re not alone—and there is a better solution.
The next step? Let’s find out if varifocals are right for you and which type of varifocal is the best fit for your lifestyle and visual needs. Our team can guide you toward the perfect choice.
At Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians, we’re here to help you embrace the freedom of clear, comfortable vision at every distance—with lenses that are right for you. Book your personalised consultation today and take the first step toward seeing more confidently, comfortably, and clearly.
