Varifocals
How does this sound?
You are aged 40 plus and unless the lighting around you is perfect, you struggle to read. Text becomes blurred or fuzzy, and only gets clearer if you move it further away from you?
Familiar?
Presbyopia (ageing sight) is an inevitable part of the ageing process. Our eyes age just like the rest of us, and have to work harder to keep our vision clear and focused. However, this can lead to tired irritated eyes and even headaches.
Progressive lenses (Varifocals) can be an effective solution for some; however these corrections to both far and near vision can prove to be problematic for many others. Progressive lenses can give the wearer the impression that images are distorted, or 'swimming' around them, while they might feel unbalanced or unsteady on their feet.
If you've ever tried and failed to wear progressives, you'll appreciate how unnerving these distortions to your vision can be. If you've never worn progressives before, don't let the lenses of the past put you off trying the lenses of the future.
With our Hoyalog system we can show you exactly how thick or thin your lenses will be in your chosen frame. You can view the thickness of the lens from above, below or from either side. In addition with Varifocal lenses (as shown in diagram to left) the system will show the dispenser exactly where the reading portion will sit in the lens thus allowing the dispenser and yourself to make informed choices during the sometimes complex process of choosing the right varifocal lens design.
Which design should I choose and why?
Depending on whether this is your first time or whether you are an established wearer of Varifocals, we will advise on which lens design to go for. Although Hoya are our main supplier, we can also do lenses from Essilor, Zeiss, Nikon etc.
For first time wearers it is advisable to go for a full length corridor Varifocal with a good design with minimum sway and minimum peripheral distortion (Fig 1), however these lenses are bit more costly and it will all depend on your budget and whether you will be wearing your glasses all of the time or just for work purposes. If you require your spectacles just for work we have a range of lenses known as occupational lenses, similar to Varifocals but designed for just computer and near tasks and a lot cheaper. If you require all distances in one pair but don't intend to wear your glasses for driving and walking, then you could opt for what we call a 'hard' design (Fig 2). These lenses present more sway and distortion at the lens periphery but are more affordable at a starting price of £99. All of our Varifocals come with a guarantee that if within 30 days of collecting your Varifocals, you do not get on with them, we will change you to an alternative such as bifocals or 2 separate pairs and refund any difference in price, thus providing you with peace of mind and removing any anxiety or worry about cost issues.
For established wearers who opt for shallow frames, we recommend choosing the latest freeform designs as shallow frame Varifocals can be more difficult to get on with.
Freeform Varifocals - lenses of the future
Figure 1 - Hoya ID lenses
Figure 2 - conventional Varifocal
The optical industry is currently going through some significant changes thanks to the introduction of freeform surfacing technology to the lens manufacturing process. The transition to freeform technology is going to be a watershed in the history of eyewear, much like the transition from bifocals to the original varifocals lenses.
The freeform range makes use of the latest advances in Ophthalmic lens production - with CNC (computer numerically controlled) technology the surface is numerically controlled during the cutting and polishing process and the speed and positioning of the cutting tool is monitored with micrometric precision. This state of the art technology eliminates all the disadvantages of traditional production methods. Flexible freeform polishing on the inner or concave side is performed using flexible moulds. This technology makes it possible to achieve the perfect combination betwen progressive geometry and the wearer's prescription, with an accuracy of up to 0.01 dioptre.
SUMMARY - the advantages of freeform progressive lenses
1) The lenses are easier to adapt to, given their extremely low abberation level and smooth transition.
2) Wider fields of vision at all distances, because the progressive surface is nearer the eye.
3) Guaranteed immediate adaptation. Owing to reduced dizziness and balance problems.
4) Quicker adaptation, thanks to optimal design ergonomics that fully respect the routine movements of new and existing wearers of progressive lenses with a different design
