Do varifocals not work with computer distance?

[Cattymonster]

I could do with urgent advice here if possible please.

TL:DR is - should I be able to use varifocals with computer work, or are they only for distance and reading a book/something on my knee? Have been offered refund.

I've just bought varifocals. So as not to drip feed, Boots tested my eyes and made me 2 pairs of specs: one for combined reading and computer (my prescription has measurements for both), the for other distance. Both are fine. These are my first distance lenses. I've worn reading glasses for years.

I soon decided I'd rather have varifocals as having to swap them over while watching TV and using iPad in evening was driving me mad.

It sounded from what Boots said as though it wasn't worth buying anything except the top end ones, which were very expensive, so I decided I couldn't afford them. Then on here I read about a place that does them online and claims to provide top-end lenses much less expensively. I decided to take a chance.

I've now had them a week and I can't use them. I can't use them with the computer - the words are fuzzy. If I use my Boots reading/computer specs the words are clear. Even extending my neck right back to use the bottom of the varifocal lenses doesn't really find a part of the lens that works properly with computer. They also don't work well with the iPad in the evening.

The problem as far as I can tell, is that almost all,of the lens (seems to me like 80-90%) is set to distance, and only a super-narrow part for reading at the bottom. There doesn't seem to be a gradual fade from one to the other, from top to bottom of lens.

I rang this week and (very long story short) was told this is how varifocals are meant to be, and that I should not expect to be able to use them with computer. I was told a few lucky people manage to find a spot on the kens that works with PC, but that that is just good luck. To me that sounds like bifocals - surely the whole point of varifocals is a graduated lens to cover the three important part in my spectrum of vision? Apparently not, though.

Another long story short is the discussion we had about way forward. They will refund me, which is a relief. However, I would still like varifocals I can use. I've spoke to colleagues at work and they use their varifocals with the computer. I therefore suggested driving over to their base so they could look at them and me. We've agreed this, and they've suggested remaking to replace the reading part with my computer reading prescription instead of my plain reading prescription. So still not a 'graduated' lens in the sense that I understand the word, and more like a bifocal, but hopefully something that will work.

Does this sound right? I don't want to waste time, and if this isn't right I'd rather just take the refund and rethink.

Please help if you can!

I agree. I used to wear varifocals and they need precise measuring that nobody on line could replicate. Mine were fine.

I’d say they weren’t properly aligned then. They are specifically useful for occasions when you need to switch between close, middle and distant. I’m a teacher and said the same with my first pair. Took them back and got them aligned properly and they are great. They’re also perfect for driving, for the same reason.
@Cattymonster i use them for everything. I never take them off and I never have issues with computer use (or anything else really). They need to be properly aligned and you need to get used to how to wear them. It’s also best to have the better quality lenses (not necessarily the highest quality, but a good one) as the6 have a wider ‘middle’ section.

Extract from specsaver about varifocal
Varifocal lenses
Varifocal lenses allow you to see at any distance, because they have different sections for viewing close up and far away and everything in between. So whether you’re driving, using a computer, shopping or reading, you can wear one pair of varifocals to accommodate all your vision needs.

I have varifocal from Specsavers, they are great, I do a lot of reading, computer work, close craft work and dealing with clients and I wear my varifocals all the time. I have a pair of 'readers' when I'm doing close work for a long time but I can't use them for computer stuff. I really love my varifocals, and they made a huge positive difference to lectures, note taking eyc.I'd recommend you try and get the right prescription sorted for you, it will be worth it!

Actually, having said I’ve had no issues, this is something I do sometimes struggle with - a music stand is often just in the wrong place! It’s better if you have one each so you can adjust height and distance, but I have considered just getting cheap reading glasses for Concert Band. I’m getting the hang of it better now though.

DH uses Asda opticians and they are great.

After using Specsavers for years he switched on recommendation from my Dad. He's never looked back, they are reasonably priced have a good selection of frames, and are great about adjustments and repairs.

The only time he went elsewhere he regretted it as he ended up with glasses he just couldn't get on with that cost more than he would spend on two pairs at Asda.

I have worn varifocals for years and used them for computing. However, last time I saw the optician he did suggest I might need a separate pair for computing. At the moment, I am holding out. You might want to consider getting your next pair from an independent optician - where I live there are nothing but complaints about the firm you went to and Moorfields told me quite categorically that they had given me the wrong prescription. If you can get a letter from another optician to say the lenses are not right you might be able to get your money back.

I've been wearing varifocals for years, Specsavers top range ones. I wear them for everything inc screen working. They're perfect.

Yes you can but depending on your prescription they are very very expensive- so the online opticians are not being truthful -but in reality you might find two pairs - bi focals and then reading or laptop ones might be more economical

I got to the point I had to have separate glasses for reading and computer.

so i switched to multifocal contacts. Incredibly expensive, but an absolute game changer for aging eyes.

I wear one pair of varifocals, for everything. Driving, TV, computer and reading/crafts. I switched to varifocals when the difference in prescription was fairly minor, it meant I adapted quickly to them. Yes £600+ a pair, but worth it.

You should be able to use them for everything, but you need to ensure you are looking through the correct part of the lenses for that distance. If you don't adjust your viewing angle thing won't be in focus. They can take a bit of time to get used to.

I've never been able to use my varifocals at the computer, I have separate computer glasses. They try and tell you that you should be fine with the varifocals but it's a lie.

After a number of years of varifocals which were ok I switched to a local independent. Game changer. I literally have perfect vision with every move, no slight tilting of head to bring things into focus or change which bit of lens I use. It actually feels like when I had single vision. Downside lenses are c£500 and then there frames on top. I wear them all day though and do a lot of screen work and they’re great.
I can recommend a South Manchester opticians if you’re anywhere near

I have two pairs of varifocals, one for distance plus reading, the other for computer plus reading. It's a pain having to swap them over, but it's what works for me. I don't get any distortion at the sides, but I did with the first pair I got - they hadn't been measured correctly and had to be changed. I've a high prescription and went for very good lenses. I use an independent optician.

Depending on what distance you are from the music occupationals are probably a better bet. You can get ones designed like a varifocal so they have a bit of distance in too but the widest field of view is for intermediate and reading. A dispensing optician would be the best person to speak too.

Mine are great for computer work, but they were prescribed specifically for that. Even though they're varifocals, the whole span of the lens (which has 3 different strengths) is designed purely for desk work. The lower part is for reading close up (e.g. phone, book or paperwork in my hand), the middle bit is for reading stuff on my desk and the upper portion is for focusing on my computer screen at the correct distance. Basically just varifocal reading glasses.

I cannot wear mine walking around so I have to take them off when I leave my desk. I got these because I don't need glasses for distance/tv and I work alone, at my computer.

My husband also has varifocals that are designed for computer work but he's in a more human-facing IT role so his are "home and office" ones that allow him to focus across a room while wearing them, too.

They're from this range of lenses: https://www.nikonlenswear.com/eyewear/e-life-pro-series/

Took 2-3 weeks to get used to and I was initially really disappointed but the optometrist told me to persevere and give them a bit longer and she was right - they're awesome!

Oh dear I ordered my first pair the other day and I pick them up Monday
the Specsavers lady did explain to me that for computer work I’d need to upgrade to those with a bigger distance “section” (for want of a better word) so I did that. She also did say that they could take a while to get used to . I spent £300 but got some prescription sunnies for (almost) “free”.

I've got 'occupational lenses' from Boots so I can see the computer and look down and read. They took me a few weeks to get used to but now I love them.

When you say you want to see the band master, do you need a prescription for that? If so you need varifocals.
But, if you can see the band master ok with uncorrected version then you might be best with as close to 'old-fashioned school ma'am half-moon' type glasses set to correct at the distance of the music stand which you can look through to read the music then look over the top of them to see the band master. I know it sounds a bit odd but if you have problems seeing the music but can see the band master ok, I've found this is the best way to both read the music and then look up to see the conductor/band master.
Also for eating, so I can see what is on the plate in focus but look over the top of them to talk to the other people round the table.
Having said that they are really hard to find. I couldn't find any half moons and so got the narrowest lenses that Specsavers did.
I'm hoping to set a new trend but it hasn't taken off yet.

I used to work on a reception at a local independent opticians so completely trust their advice. When I needed varifocals, when they advised the more expensive the lens, the better the varifocal. I may have paid a lot for them, but I have one pair that I use for everything (I work with computers so need them to work as well as distance at all times) and this pair is looking at lasting 4 years so I am getting my money out of them. They were £700 but with 4 years use, means they work out at less than 50p a day which for something sitting on my face all day every day works out very good value.

I wouldnt touch online ordered glasses for any prescription. I remember how many pairs we returned with the wrong prescription when the dispenser checked them upon arrival, I dont trust them to get it right if no one is going to be checking them for you. And as mentioned up thread, varifocals need to be fitted for your eyes hence they make lots of marks on the mock lenses so the varifocals are at the correct place to change level of focal length.

Hi there. Yes, my prescription includes all three of these, and the online people did have it. I'd only had my eyes tested about a week earlier, so it was current.

I am going to see a local optician and I'll ask their advice, but in the small town where I live there don't seem to be many independents, and I've not yet been able to find recommendations (online or from friends) for anything other than the big national brands. Advice locally in relation to those varies according to who I ask. Therefore, I'm hoping to arm myself with as much information as possible from here before I see them, as clearly lots of helpful people here have a lot of experience of this kind of issue 👍

This but I have separate varifocals for work.

Im an optom and have an online business too. We do not supply varifocals online. They require a precise face to face measurement with the person wearing the frame on their face. Every single varif i dispense i check on their vdu use. Even with the top varifocal sometimes a combined computer and reading works better for people on a vdu 10 hrs a day. So my husband got the best computer lens from a company called Hoya = He is in a work style 3 lens finds them fabtastic. So comfortable but this lens or ones of that ilk need specific dispense info. How far from screen - do they need to see the office they work in etc. I have a speeddial to the Hoya rep.honestly take the refund. Find an independent and ask them about Hoya . In my opticians. The non tolerance to the workstyle and their top varifocal the id lifestyle has been minimal due to the effort i put in finding out what the person actually needs and personalise it from the rep so i dont have a one size fits every single patient iykwim. Its complex to match peoples individual needs to a lens that will work. I have literally cried over varifocals as used to use essilor and im not joking their lenses were awful compared to Hoya. You need a not profit driven, non chain that values customer service to help. Thats my advice