We're introducing bespoke varifocals and saying goodbye to carrying multiple pairs of glasses!
Discover why these bespoke options are becoming the preferred eyewear of choice. Their personalised and advanced lens technologies provide precise vision correction; designed to offer unmatched visual clarity, comfort and style.
In this article, we'll go through the benefits and downsides of these custom-made lenses, taking you on a journey 'through the looking glass' to explore a personalised world of vision correction.
What Are Bespoke Varifocals?
Bespoke varifocals, also referred to as custom varifocals, are eyeglasses specifically tailored to your unique visual requirements. Unlike traditional lenses with fixed designs, bespoke varifocal lenses are entirely crafted (and personalised) to fit your eyes, facial features, and lifestyle.
These bespoke lenses - known as progressive lenses - provide clear vision at multiple distances. They seamlessly transition between near vision, intermediate vision, and distance vision in one pair of glasses (or lenses, to be exact!)
Progressive lenses - a type of multifocal lens used to correct presbyopia (a naturally occurring age-related condition that affects near vision) - provide a smooth and gradual transition of prescription power. They do not have visible 'lines' as seen in traditional bifocals.
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Effectively, custom varifocals are lenses that are tailor-made to offer personalised and superior visual comfort for the wearer.
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Varifocal glasses combine the benefits of distance, intermediate and near vision glasses into one convenient "3-in-1" pair of specs.
Benefits Of Bespoke Varifocals
Enhanced visual experience
As briefly mentioned, bespoke varifocal lenses offer an exceptional visual experience, allowing you to see clearly at all distances. When considering bespoke varifocals, you can't go wrong. Whether you're reading a book, focusing on the computer screen, or enjoying a scenic drive, they provide optimum clarity without the inconvenience of switching between three sets of glasses.
Personalised fit and comfort
One size does not fit all and the same is true for eyeglasses. With custom varifocals, your frames and lenses are tailor-made to your exact measurements, which include head tilt and reading angles. This precise fit minimises discomfort, headaches, and pressure points, allowing you to wear your glasses all day long.
Reduced distortion and adaptation time
Bespoke varifocal lenses are crafted to reduce distortion issues. These issues are often associated with standard varifocal types in the peripheral vision areas.
Bespoke glasses provide minimal distortion, helping in quicker adaption periods (meaning, getting used to these varifocals is fairly quick).
Optimal vision correction
Bespoke varifocal lenses offer accurate/improved vision correction. Each lens 'zone' is fine-tuned and blends seamlessly across the lens face. The custom design of these lenses offers a flawless and inconspicuous look (and does not let people know that you suffer from presbyopia).
Downsides of Bespoke Varifocals
Higher cost
The personalised nature of bespoke lenses may come with a higher price tag when compared to traditional varifocals. However, you can't put a price on the long-term benefits of these superior spectacles!
Longer production time
Creating custom varifocal lenses involves meticulous craftsmanship and accurate measurements. This often leads to longer production times. Think of it this way: these lenses are 'digitally imprinted' with your specific prescription, hence taking longer to make.
Limited availability
Not all eyewear retailers or opticians offer bespoke varifocals due to the specialised nature of their lens design.
It's important to research and locate reputable eyewear providers for crafting custom-made spectacles. Book An Eye Test offers an easy-to-use directory to book an appointment with nearby opticians. Opticians who give patients time, expert advice and high-quality products to their customers.
Comparison With Standard Varifocals
Standard varifocals overview
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Standard or traditional varifocal lenses serve as the basic "entry-level" option. These are great for individuals looking for multifocal vision correction and are often considered the upgrade to traditional bifocals.
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These single-vision lenses have more of a generic fit and lens design. They offer the advantage of clear eyesight across a broad range of distances for wearers.
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Varifocal lenses do not have visual lines as bifocals do.
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Standard types commonly have peripheral distortion issues around the outer edges of the lens. While this distortion is relatively low, getting used to varifocals is usually quite quick.
Types of standard varifocal lenses:
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Basic varifocal glasses: These are entry-level varifocals that offer a simple design with a smooth transition across visual distances. They are cheaper when compared to other glasses on the market and may have some peripheral issues.
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Premium standard varifocals: These lenses incorporate more advanced lens technologies, allowing for slightly more prescription needs.
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Digital freeform varifocals: The varifocal lens of these glasses are made using digital freeform technology. They provide more accurate vision correction compared to basic types.
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Occupational varifocal glasses: Occupational lenses are optimised for specific professions, such as office work that demand clearer intermediate zones.
Benefits of bespoke varifocals over standard varifocals
To recap, bespoke varifocals and standard varifocals are both types of progressive lenses/glasses designed to correct presbyopia. Both offer vision correction at multiple distances within a single lens but vary in their benefits.
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Personalised fit: Bespoke varifocals are custom-made to your unique measurements, whereas standard varifocals are more of a generic fit with pre-determined measurements.
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Design and lens quality: Bespoke glasses not only offer advanced lens quality but you're able to choose your own frame design to match your personality. Standard varifocal glasses, on the other hand, come in a limited range of designs.
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Reduced distortion: The main benefit of bespoke lens options is the reduction of peripheral distortion. This is because opticians use advanced lens technology and precise calculations to create lenses resulting in less distortion.
Standard varifocals tend to have more peripheral distortion as they lack the advanced technology to reduce this issue.
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Price: Standard varifocal glasses are generally cheaper when compared to bespoke glasses due to being mass-produced.
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Premium materials: When compared to standard varifocals, bespoke varifocals are crafted from higher-quality lens materials and use advanced technologies. This ensures the best vision for the wearer. The premium materials are highly durable and scratch resistant, which explains the higher price tag!
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Visual clarity: Bespoke varifocal lenses provide sharper and clearer vision across all distances, as each lens zone is calibrated with your exact prescription. This ensures optimal vision correction for both distant and nearby objects.
While standard varifocal lenses are designed to correct presbyopia and offer vision correction across varying distances, they lack the "bespoke-ness" of accurately being tailored to your eyesight.
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Lifestyle: When opting for bespoke varifocal lenses, opticians take into account your specific lifestyle requirements. This is related to your professional, hobbies and daily routines. With these in mind, each bespoke varifocal lens is uniquely adapted. For example, if you spend lots of time on the computer screen or use digital devices, the intermediate vision zone can be customised to provide a larger area for better vision. (Standard options are not as advanced).
Limitations of bespoke varifocals compared to standard varifocals
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Higher costs: When buying varifocal glasses, one of the main downsides of bespoke options is the cost when compared to standard types. This is due to the customisation process, which involves precise measurements and technologies. As a result, bespoke glasses are a significant eyewear investment, but their enhanced benefits tend to justify the higher price.
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Longer production time: As mentioned, creating bespoke varifocal lenses is a meticulous and time-consuming process. This tends to lead to longer production times which could be a potential inconvenience for wearers. Standard types, however, offer a 'quick solution' as they are readily available due to their generic designs.
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Limited availability: Not all eyewear providers or opticians offer custom varifocal lenses due to the specialisation of the lens. This can be a disadvantage for individuals who prefer the convenience of readily available glasses (such as the standard types). Finding an optician that is experienced in creating bespoke lenses requires a bit of research and/or travelling to a different location if advanced varifocals are what you're after.
