Have you been wearing single-vision glasses for years and are now considering whether it's time for a change? Perhaps you have noticed that you take your glasses off when reading or need different glasses for different distances. Then you may be faced with the decision: single vision or varifocal? This is a question that many people ask themselves as their vision changes with age. In this article, we take a closer look at both types of glasses and help you find out which option is best for you.
Who are single vision glasses better for?
- People with only one type of visual impairment: If, for example, you only need a visual aid for distance or near vision, single-vision glasses are the best choice because they only correct one type of visual impairment at a time. The lens has a single focal point and has a single strength over its entire surface. This is why single-vision spectacles are also known as monofocal spectacles (Greek mono = single; Latin focus = fire, focal point). With distance glasses, people who only suffer from short-sightedness (myopia) can also see distant objects or people clearly. With reading glasses, people who suffer from long-sightedness (hyperopia) can also see clearly at short distances (usually 30-40 cm). This means that vision at all distances is possible with glasses of one strength.
- Special visual tasks: Single-vision glasses are also useful for special activities where a clear focus is only required at a certain distance. For example, if you are reading a book for a long time, reading glasses are more comfortable than varifocals for the pure reading distance.
- Occasional wear: If you only use glasses occasionally for certain tasks and/or do not want to wear glasses permanently, single vision glasses may be the simpler and more cost-effective choice. Varifocals really come into their own when worn regularly and continuously.
- Comfort and simplicity: For people who appreciate the comfort of simple, uncomplicated glasses that only correct one area of vision, single vision glasses are often the preferred option.
Who are varifocals better suited to?
The ideal candidate for varifocals is someone who needs support at different visual distances and values a practical solution that is suitable for everyday use. Typically, these are people who have the following characteristics or needs:
- People with presbyopia: From middle age onwards, we humans lose the ability to see sharply at close range. This usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 45 in adults. Presbyopia is a natural process in which the lens of the eye finds it difficult to focus between different visual distances (accommodation ability). If you already wear glasses for distance vision and also have problems with near vision, varifocals are an ideal solution as they combine both areas of vision in one lens.
- People who frequently switch between different visual distances: If your everyday life requires you to regularly switch between distance vision, intermediate vision and near vision - varifocals are particularly practical. They allow you to perform all these activities with one pair of glasses.
- People who prefer aesthetically pleasing glasses without visible lens divisions: varifocal lenses have no visible lines or transitions, which makes them more visually appealing than bifocals or trifocals.
If you agree with these points, varifocals are probably the best choice for your visual needs.
