What Are Varifocal Contact Lenses?

Varifocal contact lenses are specially designed multifocal lenses that allow you to see clearly at multiple distances, from distance vision to intermediate (like computer screens) and close-up tasks such as reading. Unlike standard single-vision lenses, which only correct vision at one distance, varifocal contacts contain multiple prescription zones blended smoothly in the lens.
They work in a similar concept to varifocal (progressive) glasses, but in contact lens form. This means your eyes use different parts of the lens depending on what you’re looking at, all without needing to switch between glasses.

Can I Get Varifocal Contact Lenses?

Yes, varifocal contact lenses are available in the UK from professional opticians such as D.I. Blow Opticians. They’re most commonly recommended for people experiencing presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects), which typically starts in your 40s and beyond. If you think you may be a candidate, our contact lens service includes a fitting consultation to check suitability before you commit.

Pros of Varifocal Contact Lenses

1. Clear Vision at All Distances

One of the biggest advantages is that varifocal contact lenses provide vision correction for near, intermediate, and distance vision in a single lens. That means you don’t have to juggle reading glasses and regular contacts, perfect for everyday activities.

2. Stable, Natural Vision

Because the lens moves with your eye, many people find that varifocal contact lenses offer a more natural field of vision than glasses, especially for activities like walking or working on a computer.

3. Great for Active Lifestyles

If you dislike glasses slipping or fogging up during sports and outdoor activities, varifocal contact lenses can be an excellent solution, letting you stay focused without visual interruptions.

4. No Need for Multiple Eyewear

Perhaps the biggest practical benefit is simplicity; you don’t have to carry or switch between different eyewear for reading and distance tasks.

Cons of Varifocal Contact Lenses

1. Adjustment Period

Many wearers find a short adaptation period as their eyes and brain adjust to switching between prescription zones. Some people might experience mild headaches or blurred vision initially, but most adapt over time.

2. Cost Considerations

Varifocal contact lenses can be more expensive than standard single vision lenses due to their advanced design and fitting requirements. However, a personalised fit and ongoing support from an optician like D.I. Blow can significantly improve comfort and performance. Ask about a free trial before committing to a full supply, so you can check they suit you first.

3. Nighttime Vision Challenges

Some people report more difficulty focusing in low-light conditions or at night, particularly if their prescription changes significantly between distances.

Getting Fitted for Varifocal Contact Lenses

Getting the right fit matters more with varifocal contact lenses than with standard single-vision lenses, since the lens needs to sit precisely to give you clear vision across all three prescription zones. Our team follows fitting standards set by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), the UK’s professional body for contact lens practitioners, and will usually book at follow-up check a few weeks into your trial to fine-tune the fit if needed.

Are Varifocal Contact Lenses Right for Me?

Varifocal contact lenses are an excellent option for many people, but they aren’t perfect for everyone. Your lifestyle, visual needs, eye health and tolerance for adaptation all play a role in determining whether they’re the best choice.

For example:

• If you work long hours on screens, a trial period can help determine suitability.

• If you have dry eyes or other conditions, specific lens materials might improve comfort.

• Some individuals may still prefer varifocal glasses for certain tasks, especially if the adaptation period with contacts is uncomfortable. Our contact lens vs glasses guide goes into more detail on how to weigh up that decision.

This is where expert guidance matters most.

So, can you get varifocal contact lenses? Yes, and they can be a fantastic solution if you want clear vision at every distance without switching between contacts and glasses. But these lenses require careful fitting, a bit of adaptation, and personalised advice, all of which you’ll find at D.I. Blow Opticians.

If you’re curious about varifocal contact lenses or want to explore your contact lens options, book an appointment today to speak with our friendly, expert team. We’ll help you find the vision solution that’s best for your eyes and your lifestyle.

FAQs

Are Varifocal Contact Lenses Any Good?

Most wearers who persevere through the initial adjustment period find them a genuinely convenient alternative to switching between reading glasses and regular contacts. As with any contact lens, individual experience varies; a trial fitting is the best way to know whether they’ll work for you.

I Already Wear Varifocal Glasses — Can I Wear Contact Lenses Instead?

Yes. If you’re used to varifocal (progressive) glasses, you can usually be fitted with varifocal contact lenses that work on the same multi-zone principle, so you don’t have to go back to single-vision contacts and reading glasses. A fitting consultation with our team will confirm whether your current prescription and eye health make you a suitable candidate, and you can trial the lenses before committing to a full supply.

How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Varifocal Contact Lenses?

Most people adapt within a few days to a couple of weeks. Some notice mild headaches or blurring at first as their eyes learn to adapt to the different prescription zones, which typically settle as you get used to the lenses.

Can I Try Varifocal Contact Lenses Before Buying a Full Supply?

Yes, ask about a free trial when you book a contact lens fitting, so you can test comfort and clarity across a few days before committing.

Are Varifocal Contact Lenses More Expensive Than Regular Contacts?

Generally yes, due to the more complex lens design and the fitting expertise required to get them right. Costs vary brand by brand and prescription; your optician can talk you through current pricing at your fitting.

What’s the Difference Between Varifocal Contact Lenses and Varifocal Glasses?

Both correct near, intermediate, and distance vision in one lens, but contact lenses move with your eye rather than requiring you to look through a specific part of a fixed lens like glasses do. Some people find one more natural than the other; our contact lens vs glasses guide compares both in more depth.

The post Can You Get Varifocal Contact Lenses? appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

There’s no correct answer. It will depend entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. This guide is to help you decide which is the most convenient option for you.

Glasses, The Obvious Choice

You’re in an optician’s and surrounded by glasses displays. Naturally, glasses are the most obvious choice. More recently, glasses have become not just a tool to help with vision but also a fashion accessory.

Glasses have lots of benefits:

• They’re Easy To Use: Just place them on your face and you’re good to go. They also don’t require much care – you can just use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any dust or smudges.
• They Are Available in Many Styles and Colours: You can find a pair that suits you and your personality with lots of different shapes, sizes, and colours to choose from.
• They Don’t Need to be Replaced Often: Unless your prescription changes every eye test, there’s no need to replace your glasses.
• They Don’t Increase Your Risk of Eye Infections: Glasses don’t touch your eyes, so they don’t pose any increased risk of eye infection.

However, glasses also have their drawbacks:

• They Might Distort Your Vision: If you have astigmatism or a strong prescription, your field of vision with glasses may be distorted.
• They Might be Uncomfortable: You might not like how glasses feel on your face – the weight of your frames and lenses can cause pressure on the bridge of your nose and your ears.
• They Can Become Foggy or Dirty in Certain Conditions: The lenses in your glasses can also become foggy or dirty in certain conditions, such as outside in the rain or a dirty or dusty environment.
• They May Not Be Good For Sports or Certain Activities: Glasses can fall off your face or get broken more easily during sports or other physical activities.
• They’re More Expensive to Replace: Having a single pair of glasses means you’ll have to buy new ones if those frames get lost or irreparably broken.

Contact Lenses, The More Practical Choice?

You can get a variety of types of contact lenses nowadays, they’re much less limited than they had been in the past. You can get contacts for daily, monthly, or fortnightly use. There are also different types of contact lenses depending on your vision problems. You can use toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, or spherical lenses for myopia and hyperopia — if presbyopia affects both your near and distance vision, our guide to varifocal contact lenses covers this option in more detail.

Thinking of trying contacts? Here are some benefits:

• They Provide Better Peripheral Vision: An advantage of contacts is that they sit right on the eye and move with it. For that reason, contacts are a great choice for people who lead active lifestyles.
• They’re Difficult to Damage: Contacts can’t be damaged in the same way as glasses by sitting on them, falling off your face, or being stepped on.
• There Are Different Options Based on Your Needs: You are able to decide which type of contact lenses work best for you.
• They Aren’t Obvious on Your Face: It’s hard to tell if you’re wearing contact lenses, so they can be a good option for those who want to have a natural appearance or highlight their makeup.
• You Don’t Need to Buy Prescription Sunglasses: When wearing contacts, you can choose any standard sunglasses you like as opposed to buying a special prescription pair.

However, there are certain disadvantages to contact lenses:

• There’s a Chance of Infection: The biggest risk with contact lenses is an eye infection. Infection risks are lowest with daily disposable lenses because you are using a fresh pair every day. For all other lens types, you need to follow good hygiene practices to reduce the risk.
• They Require Special Cleaning: You need to clean your contact lenses every night with a contact solution and store them properly in a case.
• They Require You to Touch Your Eye: For some people, it can take a while to get used to placing and removing your contact lenses from your eyeballs. Some people might never be comfortable with this.
• They May Blur Your Vision at Times: If you have astigmatism, your lenses are typically designed not to move around a lot, but in some cases, your vision may become blurry if your lenses rotate.
• They Can Cause Dryness and Irritation: Some people may experience eye dryness and irritation whilst wearing contact lenses.

To learn more about the contact lenses we offer at D.I. Blow Opticians, click here.

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Alternating between glasses and contacts gives you the best of both worlds. Each kind of eyewear compensates for the drawbacks of the other and gives you the flexibility to do whatever you like during the day with the clearest vision possible.

The most important thing to remember overall though, is to always follow the advice given by your optician.

The post Contact Lenses vs Glasses: Which Is Right For You? appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Halloween Makeup

Makeup can be either the finishing touch to a costume or a quick easy last-minute solution. However you wear it, take caution when using cosmetics on your face and around your eyes.

• Check the ingredient list of the products that you use: Certain fragrances, preservatives (like parabens and benzalkonium chloride), metallic pigments, and colour additives may cause irritation to your eyes or skin. It is a good idea to patch test your product before they are used all over your face.
• Don’t use glitter: Plastic particles and dyes in cosmetic glitter are non-toxic but can end up on the eye surface if applied near the eyes. Craft glitter should never be used for makeup purposes due to containing metal or glass particles and harmful dyes.
• Don’t apply product to your eyelash line: Results show this has causes increased eye irritation and dry eyes.
• Throw away old and expired makeup: It is not worth the risk to your eyes or your skin health.
• Be careful with false eyelashes: For eyelash extensions, go to an experienced aesthetician. For false eyelashes, make sure proper hygiene is practised and test your lash-glue for allergic reactions.
• Don’t share makeup: This can lead to higher chances of infection.

Halloween Masks

Always wear a well fitted mask when out partying or trick-or-treating. A poor fitting mask will block vision in your eyes leading to disorientation, and loss of depth perception potentially leading to injury.

Halloween Contact Lenses

Coloured or uniquely shaped contact lenses can be the finish touch to a perfect costume, however non-prescribed contacts can lead to a whole host of problems.

Poorly fitting and poorly cleaned contact lenses can cause damage to the eye or your vision. This can lead to a lack of air flow/oxygen getting to your eyes, or a build up of bacteria. Other issues can include:

• Friction from the lens material
• Cuts and scratches to the cornea
• Eye infections
• Corneal ulcers
• Allergic reactions
• Irreversible decrease or loss of vision.

Only purchase contacts from retailers that are authorised to dispense contact lenses.

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