Do You Need Bifocal Lenses? Here’s How to Tell
March 22, 2023 • 7:52 AM
Modern glasses are a way to showcase your style and flatter your features. If you’ve just found out that you need bifocal lenses, your first thought might be of Grandma and Grandpa. Luckily, bifocals aren’t any less modern and chic than other pairs of glasses.
While the old-school version of bifocals isn’t exactly what you’d call stylish, the latest innovations in technology mean anyone can wear bifocals and still look great. Not convinced? Keep reading. We’ll show you how the latest evolution of bifocal lenses makes all the difference in functionality and style — because you deserve to have both.
What Are Bifocal Lenses?
To answer this question, we first have to ask a different question. What are multifocal lenses?
So, What Are Multifocals?
Multifocal lenses are prescription eyeglasses that allow for different kinds of vision correction in the same lens. Rather than switching between reading glasses for magnification and a traditional prescription to correct other concerns, multifocal lenses do it all.
Bifocal glasses are a subset of multifocals, originally invented by Benjamin Franklin. The story goes that he grew tired of swapping between specs when reading or doing other activities. So he cut the two pairs of glasses in half and put them together. There are also trifocals, which have three prescriptions in one lens.
In both types, the bottom of the lens is usually designed for close-up work like reading. The top of the lens is for distance vision — for example, when you’re driving. Trifocals have an extra section in the middle that allows the wearer to see objects in the middle distance, like a computer screen.
Multifocals can take a minute to get used to, but they’re more effective than you’d think at first glance — literally. After all, managing changes in your field of view is simple — all you need to do is move your eyes to the right part of the lens, and your prescription will be lined up to make it easy and intuitive.
When you’re reading, you usually look down through the bottom half of your glasses. When you’re driving, you should be looking straight ahead or through the top part of the lens. Ultimately, the optical powers of your multifocals depend on your specific needs.
Do You Need Bifocal Lenses?
If you need multiple prescriptions to see clearly, bifocal lenses are often a good choice. It’s not uncommon to need bifocals later in life, because changes in things like your near vision over tie are often age-related.
As we age, our eyes lose some of their flexibility and don’t focus as easily on objects that are close up. This is known as presbyopia. If you start needing to hold a menu at arm’s length to read it, or if you’re asking strangers in the grocery store to check the price of a product for you, it might be time to call your eye doctor for an eye exam.
Carrying two pairs of glasses with you all the time and swapping them out is a simple solution — it’s how many people handle vision changes, especially if their nearsightedness seems minor. However, it can quickly become inconvenient.
Because reading glasses are generally purchased without a prescription, vision correction is imprecise. Using the wrong prescription can lead to eye strain, fatigue, or even a headache, especially when doing lots of close-up work.
Bifocal glasses are a much better solution. The top part of the lens holds your distance prescription while a different lens in the bottom part helps you see close-up. You’ll never need to carry multiple pairs of glasses around again.
If you’ve ever seen old-school bifocal lenses … You may not be that keen to wear them. Luckily, things have changed. It’s time to talk about the next generation: progressive lenses.
Progressive Lenses: The Latest Evolution of Bifocal Eyeglasses
Old-fashioned bifocal lenses are manufactured with visible lines between the different sections of the bifocal lens. Aesthetically, this can cramp your style. It also causes a vision jump as you change your field of vision.
The new generation of bifocal lenses are called progressive lenses. Progressives don’t have the line through the lenses. Instead, this type of lens is graduated so you experience a smooth progression between the different sections.
There’s no vision jump as you move from one lens power to another. As your eyes move seamlessly through the transition between close-up and further away, you automatically pass through the middle-distance section of the eyeglass lens, so you get the trifocal effect too.
As a result, progressive glasses can seamlessly support your vision throughout the day. As a bonus, unless you look closely, they appear just like a regular pair of glasses. This way, you can retain your sense of style.
Where To Get Stylish Progressive Glasses
Back when bifocal lenses were the only option and glasses frames came in only two styles — grandparent and geek — there was only one thing you could do: You visited your local optician and were left at the mercy of whatever they had in stock.
But once again, we’re in the future now. These days, all you have to do to find your perfect pair is get comfy on the couch and browse our range of gorgeous glasses online.
Our eyewear accommodates progressive lens prescriptions without sacrificing style. You can find your favorite Base Frame and then use our Virtual Try-On tool to make it your own. Next up, choose some of our Top Frames to make sure you get the best in both style and accessibility.
Our frames are made of cellulose acetate, with select designs featuring stylish metal temples. While our standard lenses are made of impact-resistant polycarbonate. They’re impact-resistant and scratch-resistant to withstand daily wear and tear, and they also come with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare.
From our Classic Collections to our Limited Editions and Collabs, there’s something for everyone. Pick your Top Frames to complement your personality, then you can change up your look in a moment to suit your mood or your activities — and all at a great price.
The Bottom Line
Bifocal lenses make your life a million times easier if you need multiple prescriptions. But many of us associate these specialized lenses with un-stylish specs we saw grandparents and nursing home residents wear growing up. Luckily, times have changed. With progressive lenses, you can get the clear vision you deserve with the stylish frames you crave.
Order your progressive lenses from Pair Eyewear today — then when your new lenses arrive on your doorstep, give your eyes some time to get used to them. You’ll soon be enjoying effortless clear vision, no matter what you’re doing.
Sources:
Guide To Bifocals and Multifocals | Optometrists Network