HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MULTIFOCAL GLASSES
As we get older, our eyes start to lose some of their flexibility, and seeing clearly up close becomes harder. The medical name for this is presbyopia, which literally translates to “old eye” in Greek. Charming, we know. The good news is that multifocal glasses can give you sharp vision at every distance, so you do not have to swap between reading glasses and your everyday pair all day long.
There are hundreds of multifocal lenses on the market, and they are not all built the same. Before you choose your next pair, here is what to look for.
LENS DESIGN: THREE ZONES, ONE LENS
The clue is in the name. Multifocal glasses help you see at multiple distances, and a single lens is doing the work of three:
- Near zone for reading and looking at your phone
- Intermediate zone for screen and desk distance
- Distance zone for everything further away, like driving and watching TV
Because all three zones share the same lens, the design has to balance them carefully. A well-made multifocal lets you move smoothly between distances without that “swimming” feeling some people complain about.
If you are still weighing up whether multifocals are right for you, our prescription glasses page explains the different lens types in more detail.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY: WHY DIGITAL LENSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Most modern multifocal lenses are made using FreeForm, or “digital”, surfacing. Each point on the lens is calculated and shaped individually, which gives you a far more accurate prescription and wider visual zones.
If you tried multifocals years ago and did not get on with them, it is worth giving them another go. The technology has come a long way, and the transitions between zones now feel much more natural. You can also pair the lens with coatings like blue light filtering or anti-reflective, depending on how you spend your day.
PERSONALISATION: LENSES BUILT AROUND YOU
Two people with the same prescription can need very different lenses. Your visual demands depend on how you spend your day, and on the type of work or activities you do most often. The frame you choose also plays a role, because frame shape and depth affect how much room the lens has for each zone.
Digital multifocal design lets your optometrist tailor the lens to:
- Your lifestyle (heavy reader, screen worker, driver, sportsperson)
- Your frame choice (some frames give the lens more vertical space, which means wider zones)
- The way the frame sits on your face (pupil position, frame tilt, distance from your eye)
This is why getting fitted properly is just as important as the lens itself. A thorough eye test and frame fitting are what turn a good lens design into glasses that actually work for you.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WEAR THEM
Most people adapt to multifocal glasses within a week or two, according to the Mayo Clinic. The trick is to point your nose at what you want to look at, rather than just moving your eyes. It feels a bit deliberate at first and becomes second nature quickly. If you’re more than a few weeks in and still struggling, head back to your optometrist, the lens, prescription, or fit may need a small adjustment.
A FEW QUESTIONS WE HEAR ALL THE TIME
You’re not the only one wondering about these things, so here are quick answers to the questions we get asked most.
- What’s the difference between bifocal and multifocal lenses? Bifocals split the lens into two sections, usually with a visible line, one for distance and one for reading. Multifocals, also called progressives, blend three zones into a single lens with no visible line. They look like ordinary glasses and give you a smoother visual experience, especially for screen work.
- Are multifocal glasses worth it? If you’re already swapping between reading glasses and a distance pair, or you spend a lot of time on screens, multifocals are usually worth the investment. One pair handles every distance, and modern digital lenses have made the adjustment period far shorter than it used to be.
How much do multifocal glasses cost in South Africa? The price depends on your frame, prescription, and any extras like blue light filtering or photochromic coatings. Entry-level multifocals are more affordable than premium digital designs, and most medical aids cover a portion through your optical benefit. For an accurate quote, visit your nearest Vision Works.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT PAIR?
Book a comprehensive eye test at your nearest Vision Works, and our optometrists will help you find the multifocal lenses that suit your prescription, your frame, and the way you actually live. We see you. #LOVEYOUREYES
