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Original poster

To think reading with varivocals shouldn’t be this hard

39 replies

Lacew1ng55 · 19/08/2023 10:03

£700😱 Lovely independent optician.Expensive lenses.

No feeling dizzy as pricey lenses. Distance vision fine with them but reading is a nightmare. Have been searching online. Just can’t seem to get clear reading vision. Online it says to tilt chin but it’s really uncomfortable to tilt chin up so long. I have my knees in front with book propped on them.

So is this normal in the first few days(3/4 days in)or do they need changing. Also any tips on how to read with the bloody things. I read a lot!

OP posts:
FutureThroughLensOfThePast · 19/08/2023 10:46

Mine are fine for brief reading but if I want to settle down with a book, nothing beats taking them off.

BaruFisher · 19/08/2023 10:38

I had mine adjusted as I really struggled with reading. The optician asked where I normally hold my book when reading to adjust it and they were perfect then.

TheGreenSketch · 19/08/2023 10:34

And I know this is almost unbelievable, but 700 is not expensive :( The best varifocal is an Essilor Varilux XR and a standard 1.5 index is north of £500.

bizzey · 19/08/2023 10:33

Nice glasses !

When I was having trouble with the reading part of my varifocals , I went back with the reading material I was having trouble with as it was so hard to explain why the problem was.

(In my case it was the TV guide !!)

By explaining with the magazine in front of me ...the person could understand (see!!) what the problem was and it got fixed /sorted.

I always struggle to know if the glasses are ok just by looking at 5he little reading card they put in front of you !

So worth going back .

TheGreenSketch · 19/08/2023 10:30

Go back to your practice and ask them to check your heights. The reading area on a varifocal is small, so even if out by 2mm it’d made a big difference. Also some people need another half dioptre on top of their usual near vision add in a varifocal. Your lenses may need a tweak, tho your optometrist will likely be reluctant as the lenses are expensive to remake. But if they’re not right, persist!

Original poster
Lacew1ng55 · 19/08/2023 10:29

Is there a particular position you need to hold a book?

OP posts:
Sadilicious · 19/08/2023 10:29

I sympathise, and like many others have a pair of reading glasses for working on my computer and actual reading, and varifocals for wearing the rest of the time. You should go back though as it sounds like they have been adjusted incorrectly.

Did you check to see if your employer gives eye-care vouchers? I get £75 towards the cost of varifocals.

Original poster
Lacew1ng55 · 19/08/2023 10:24

Oakbeam

Apologies, here they are

To think reading with varivocals shouldn’t be this hard
OP posts:
Original poster
Lacew1ng55 · 19/08/2023 10:22

Oakbeam

OP posts:
CecilyP · 19/08/2023 10:21

No not normal. However, with my first pair, while I found the reading part gooyfor close work, if I wanted to read at length, I was better taking them off. These days I very much need the reading part.

WillWeSeeTheSunAgain · 19/08/2023 10:17

I could never get on with them and eventually gave up and carry 2 pairs of glasses

GrunkleStan · 19/08/2023 10:15

Took me a month to get used to mine. Well worth persevering tho.

Xrays · 19/08/2023 10:11

Nope that’s not normal. I’m -9.50 both eyes with a +1.5 addition and £500 varifocal lenses from an independent optician. I can just do everything without moving my head hardly at all really. I wonder if they’ve got the reading bit slightly wrong for you? I think you should go back and say something.

Oakbeam · 19/08/2023 10:10

You just look through the bottom part of the lens. So, depending on where you normally hold your book, you might have to raise your chin,

I must admit that I didn’t have any issues with reading. What shape frames do you have because some don’t work very well with varifocals?