Because varifocal glasses let you see up close and far away, you do not have to change them for different tasks. At the start, the details on your varifocal prescription may seem hard to understand. We will explain your prescription to you and demonstrate how to spot what your eyewear must have.
What Is Varifocal?
Progressive Varifocal lens glasses let you see clearly at near, distant and all intermediate distances. With regular glasses, we have to switch between different kinds of glasses to focus on things seen far or close. But with varifocal lenses, all that is possible with a single pair of glasses. Adjust the lens for pictures that are easy to read, make things on a computer screen clear or allow you to view objects far away.
This means varifocal glasses are a good choice for people with presbyopia, since it is a condition that happens with age and makes things close seem blurry.
The Central Parts of Any Varifocal Prescription
You might find that your eyeglass prescription is expressed with a number of numbers and acronyms. These are the meanings for each of these parts:
- Sphere (SPH): This shows how much blurriness you experience when looking far or close. A minus sign (-) means you have nearsightedness and see objects that are close more clearly, but those far away can be challenging. When there is a plus sign (+), it means vision for global objects is good but close-up things might be unclear.
- Cylinder (CYL): CYL is for astigmatism which happens when your cornea (front part of the eye) is not evenly curved. The cylinder number can be either positive (+) or negative (-) and it shows how much the astigmatism is corrected.
- Axis: Astigmatism correction is indicated by an axis value from 1 to 180. It works with the cylinder to properly align your lenses.
- Addition (ADD): This is extra magnifying power needed for reading or close work. It’s always a positive number and is essential for varifocal lenses because it helps define the near-vision part of the lens.
How to Read Each Part of Your Prescription
Now, let’s look at these concepts by using specific situations:
- Sphere: Seeing objects far away is difficult for people with -2.00 spherical power. If you are +2.00, you are able to see far objects clearly, but have trouble with things right in front of you.
- Cylinder and Axis: This situation is astigmatism and the lens power you need to correct it is -1.25 at an angle of 90 degrees. The two numbers support each other and are necessary for seeing clearly.
- Addition (ADD): Being +2.00 ADD in your lenses means the lower section of your glasses will give an extra 2.00 diopters for close tasks, including reading or threading.
Why the Addition (ADD Number is So Important
It is the additional number on your prescription that explains why varifocal glasses are different. It helps the optician decide by how much more extra vision strength should be added to the lower part of your lenses. If you had no progression, your glasses would not adjust to your needs and you would regularly bump into trouble seeing things close up.
Understanding the Different Zones in Varifocal Lens Glasses
Varifocal lenses are carefully designed with three zones that your eyes use for different tasks:
- Distance zone (top of the lens): This is for looking far away, like when driving or watching TV.
- Intermediate zone (middle of the lens): This is perfect for computer work or seeing objects at arm’s length.
- Near zone (bottom of the lens): It is designed for examining details or things at close range.
The top to bottom of the lens gets stronger, so you can see up close and far away both, without those lines in bifocal lenses.
What is Pupillary distance (PD)?
Your doctor of optometry might ask you for a reading called pupillary distance (PD). That is, measuring the distance from the pupil centre of one eye to the pupil centre of the other eye. The vision will only improve correctly if the varifocal lenses are put correctly in front of your eyes. The problem with PD (if it isn’t set right) is that the glasses can become uncomfortable and lead to headache.
Tips for Using Varifocal Glasses
If you have just gotten varifocal glasses, give yourself time to get used to the way they work. Following are some useful suggestions:
- Look with your whole head as you check the different lenses instead of just moving your eyes.
- Try to look straight down at the reading material with your eyes.
- Make it a habit to wear your glasses so you become familiar with the different zones.
- If two weeks pass and you feel uncomfortable, notice your vision is blurry or you are feeling dizzy, let your optician know so they can adjust your glasses.
Choosing the Right Varifocal Lens Glasses
There are many different styles and shapes of varifocal glasses. While looking for new lenses, keep in mind:
- The material of the lens (such as plastic, polycarbonate or high-index) – Choosing a lightweight material can help make the glasses more comfortable.
- Lens treatments such as anti-reflective or blue light filter coatings are best if you work in front of screens a lot.
- Choose a frame size and style that fit you well and help you see clearly through all the lens areas.
Why Varifocal Lens Glasses Are a Great Choice
Because of varifocal lenses, someone who wants clear vision at any distance does not have to carry multiple sets of glasses. There aren’t any lines on the lenses which makes progressive lenses look stylish and modern. In addition, these glasses help make reading, working and other tasks less tiring on the eyes.
Conclusion
Reading what your prescription for varifocal glasses means doesn’t have to be hard. Through the sphere, cylinder, axis and addition numbers, you explain to the optician how your lenses should be made to work properly for your eyes. The near vision magic comes from using the ADD number, so varifocals are so comfortable to wear.
When choosing your glasses, opt for higher quality varifocal lenses and ensure that the lenses fit your lifestyle (it is also worth going for a pair that you will be comfortable wearing). Your eyes will be comfortable and you will be able to see clearly every day with proper glasses or contact lenses with the proper prescription.
