Varifocals are ideal for spectacle wearers who need vision correction for both distance vision and reading. However, when looking at the price tags of these multifunctional glasses, it quickly becomes clear that there is a considerable price range.This ranges from around €200 to €1,400 and sometimes even more. But where do these large price differences come from and is there a direct correlation with the quality of the varifocal lenses?In this article, you will find out how the costs of varifocal glasses come about and what you should look out for when buying varifocal glasses.
Modern varifocals are designed to enable continuous vision. The lenses no longer show a dividing edge, even if they have several steps built into them. Varifocals are classically divided into three visual zones:
A corrected distance zone enables sharp vision from a distance of around 2 meters. When we look up from work and look around the room or recognize someone from a distance outside, we use the distance zone.
The intermediate zone covers a range of around 0.5 to 2 meters. This is our immediate environment, which we perceive within this defined zone. When working on machines or computers that we do not need to reach directly with our hands, for example, we use this intermediate distance.
The close-up zone describes a distance of up to 0.5 meters and is most frequently used when we hold objects in our hands and therefore take a close look at them. Typically, typing on a smartphone or reading a book is done at close range.
The differences in the quality of progressive lenses are primarily due to the different types of lenses and the associated different fields of vision. Most opticians distinguish between four different quality levels of progressive lenses:
This is the typical entry-level lens. The sharpness range of the lens is severely limited and greater edge blurring is accepted.
Compared to the "standard" progressive lens, the "comfort" version offers a larger sharpness range, which at the same time results in less edge blurring. This significantly shortens the familiarization phase for progressive lens novices.
"Premium" progressive lenses - for the more discerning - offer an extended field of vision at close and medium distances and thus achieve an even better visual result. They are characterized above all by a high level of spontaneous compatibility.
The "Individual" progressive lens is the Lamborghini of progressive lenses, so to speak. A genuine custom-made product in which every conceivable parameter of the spectacle wearer is taken into account. For example, the exact distance between the spectacles and the eye, the HSA (corneal vertex distance) is measured and eye movement is also recorded and analyzed. The results of the tests are taken into account during lens production and the lens design is also custom-made. This means that the lens is adapted even more closely to the personal lifestyle and individual visual behavior. For example, if the spectacle wearer works predominantly at close range, the lenses are produced with a corresponding focus. The result is reflected in maximum visual comfort and sharpness of detail. Small special features, such as engraving your own initials into the lens, are also possible. Individual varifocals are available in a price range of around 700-1,400 euros.
As already described above, the quality levels of the lenses have a major influence on the pricing of the glasses. The four levels, which range from "Standard", "Comfort" and "Premium" to "Individual", range from the inexpensive basic version to the customized and therefore exclusive "Individual" version.
As far as the material of the glasses is concerned, you can choose between three materials:
Plastic lenses:plastic lenses are particularly light, shatterproof and can be easily adapted to all kinds of spectacle frames. However, due to the relatively soft material, the surfaces scratch more easily than with mineral lenses.
Mineral lenses:Lenses made from real glass are generally fragile, but are in fact particularly robust. Thanks to their hard coating, they do not scratch so easily. Although the lenses themselves are heavier than plastic lenses, they can be ground much thinner. For this reason, they are particularly suitable for people with severe defective vision, as their thin cut gives them a more aesthetic appearance than plastic lenses of the same design. There are also manual professions that only allow glass lenses to be worn due to the prevailing working conditions.
Polycarbonate lenses:Polycarbonate lenses are special plastic lenses that are particularly light, tear-resistant and scratch-resistant. Due to their special properties, these lenses are mainly used for children's and sports glasses. However, to maintain the quality of the glasses, they require special care and must not be cleaned with alcohol-based cleaning agents, but only with water and washing-up liquid.
Due to their flexibility of use and, above all, their high wearing comfort, around 95% of customers today opt for plastic lenses. Although these are generally somewhat more expensive than mineral lenses, the choice of lens coating and cut has the greatest influence on the price.
In addition to the choice of material, the coating also affects the quality and therefore the price of progressive lenses. The following coating options are generally available:
Super anti-reflective coating:Super anti-reflective coating is a special coating for spectacle lenses that reduces reflections. It improves the quality of vision, reduces glare and also makes the lenses easier to clean. Super anti-reflective lenses are considered antistatic, as they are only very slightly electrically chargeable and therefore do not attract dirt.
Increased scratch resistance:The lenses are made scratch-resistant by applying special sealants with a hard coating that is tailored to the material. This coating increases the lenses' resistance to scratches in daily use.
UV protection:To protect the eyes, it is also possible to have 100% UV protection incorporated into the lenses. The UV protection coating helps to block harmful UV rays.
Blue filter:A built-in blue filter protects against blue light. Our eyes are mainly exposed to this when working on tablets and computers, but also through cell phones and televisions. People who work a lot on computers put a lot of strain on their eyes, causing them to tire quickly. A blue light filter can help here.
There is an endless choice of frames. Depending on which manufacturer, design or material you choose, this can lead to considerable price differences. In addition to your personal taste in design, the following factors are also relevant for you as a wearer of varifocals:
Frame height:A spectacle frame with sufficient height is important in order to make optimum use of the different visual zones in the progressive lenses. Sufficient height ensures that you have enough space for reading at close range while still being able to see comfortably at a distance.
Frame shape:Thick frames often restrict the field of vision unnecessarily. Choose a frame that doesn't get in your way and offers enough space for the different zones of vision.
Nose bridge:An adjustable nose bridge can be helpful to ensure that the progressive lenses are positioned exactly in front of your eyes. This ensures optimal vision in all areas. Glasses with nose pads have an advantage over those with saddle bars (as known from horn-rimmed glasses). If you suffer from a silicone allergy, this is no reason to opt for nose pads! Here you have the option of replacing the typical pads with a titanium version.
Weight and comfort:As progressive lenses are often somewhat heavier due to their complex optics, it is important to choose a lightweight and comfortable frame that can be worn comfortably all day long.
Material:A high-quality, durable eyewear material is an advantage. Titanium frames, for example, offer excellent wearing comfort as they are particularly light and therefore do not cause much strain. They are also very easy to adjust and can therefore be individually adapted to the shape of your nose. Titanium is also recommended if you are prone to allergic reactions (especially if you are allergic to nickel), but frames made of plastic or wood are also safe.
Adaptability:Some frames can be adapted better than others and are therefore more or less suitable for varifocals.
Have you found a frame and want to know whether it is suitable for varifocals? Our experienced opticians willbe happy to help you!
Our "meineBrille" frames are particularly affordable. Just ask for the latest models in your favorite store!
If you look at the individual cost points in detail, it quickly becomes clear that the price of varifocals is mainly determined by the size of the visual zones and the quality of the lens cut. The more seamless and individual the transitions between the different visual zones are, the higher the cost of the glasses will generally be. For example, there are considerable price differences between the "Standard" and "Individual" progressive lenses (the customized lenses). The price differences per quality level can amount to several hundred euros.
Added to this are your individual decisions regarding the various coatings and lens thicknesses. Comfortable varifocals generally start at around 400 euros and rise to 1,400 euros or more as requirements increase. However, the visual experience in these higher price categories is also significantly better. Good vision definitely has its price here.
It is important to remember that buying varifocals is an investment in your own quality of vision and daily comfort. When choosing your glasses, you should therefore consider your individual needs as well as the price.
Our experienced opticians will adviseyou professionallyand transparently, helping you to find the best solution for your individual visual needs while staying within your budget!
Are you interested in varifocals? Then find out about our current offers here: "Your new varifocal glasses" or arrange a consultation directly atone of our branches!