Getting Used to Varifocal Glasses: Top Tips

Varifocals are one of the most versatile and convenient types of glasses available today, giving you seamless vision across different distances without needing more than one pair. But while they provide excellent visual freedom, getting used to varifocal glasses can take a little time and practice. It’s completely normal to experience mild distortion, slight blur or unusual peripheral vision when first wearing them, and most people adapt gradually over days or weeks.

If you're trying to understand how varifocal lenses work or want to compare different types, you may find guides like what are varifocals useful before beginning the adaptation period. Many new wearers also explore different designs, including varifocal lenses that suit their lifestyle, frame shape and prescription needs.

Whether you’ve just collected your new varifocals or you're preparing to buy your first pair, this guide explains how long it generally takes to adjust, what to expect, and practical tips to help you get used to varifocals as smoothly as possible.

Getting Used to Varifocals

Getting used to varifocal glasses involves learning how to use the different parts of the lens for various distances, adapting your eye line and head position, and training your brain to process the new visual pattern. Varifocal lenses combine multiple focal points in a single lens without visible lines, making them more natural-looking than bifocal lenses and more convenient than carrying multiple pairs.

While they offer major benefits, new varifocal lenses require an adaptation period because your vision is undergoing a behavioural change. The brain and eyes time together to learn how to find the correct part of the lens for objects at different distances. This takes consistency, patience and good technique.

Below is a complete guide to help varifocal wearers adapt successfully, avoid common issues, and make varifocal glasses easy to wear day-to-day.

Understanding How Varifocal Lenses Work

Before adjusting, it helps to understand how varifocals work. Varifocal lenses contain three main vision zones:

1. Upper part for distance vision

2. Middle channel for intermediate vision, such as computer work or objects across a room

3. Lower part for close-up tasks like reading or using your phone

Because the lens changes power gradually, your eyes must learn to locate the correct focal points for different tasks. Unlike bifocal lenses, there is no visible dividing line, and varifocals work by blending these powers smoothly.

This blending also introduces peripheral distortion, especially around the edges of the lens. It is completely normal during early wear and reduces significantly as your brain adapts.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Varifocal Glasses?

Many new wearers ask, how long does it take to adapt? The answer varies, but commonly:

• Some people adjust within a few days
• Many need three - four weeks
• A small number require slightly longer

Most people adapt fully as long as they wear their new varifocals consistently and avoid switching back to other glasses. Wearing other glasses slows the process because the brain is receiving conflicting visual information.

Your adaptation speed may vary depending on:

• Previous experience with multifocal lenses
• Your prescription
• Frame position
• The type of varifocal design (entry level varifocal lenses, advanced lenses, etc.)
• Your age and visual habits

It's completely normal if it takes time. Your brain is learning a new visual pattern, similar to learning any new skill.

Common Issues When Wearing Varifocal Lenses

While getting used to wearing varifocals, you may notice:

1. Peripheral distortion

Objects may appear stretched or curved at the edges. This happens because the side areas of the lens are not designed for viewing in sharp focus. As your brain adapts, the effect becomes less noticeable.

2. Slight blur when using the wrong part of the lens

If you look down for distance or up for near vision, you may struggle to focus. This is solved by adjusting head movements.

3. Eye strain or mild headaches

Your eyes work harder at first as they learn how to use the lens. This is generally temporary.

4. Feeling unsure where to position your eye line

This is one of the most common issues. With practice, it becomes automatic.

5. Challenges in darker environments

In low lighting, it may be harder to find the correct focal point initially.

These experiences are completely normal and tend to fade as you adjust.

Top Tips for Getting Used to Varifocal Glasses

1. Wear Them Full-Time From Day One

If you want to get used to varifocal glasses quickly, consistency is essential. Switching between varifocal glasses and other glasses (such as single-vision glasses) slows down adaptation because the brain receives two different visual systems.

Try to avoid wearing multiple pairs during the first two weeks unless instructed by your optician.

2. Move Your Head, Not Just Your Eyes

Unlike single-vision glasses, varifocal lenses require more head movement. Turning your head helps bring objects into focus without relying on the periphery where distortion occurs.

This is especially important when looking sideways, reading shelves, or navigating busy environments.

3. Point Your Nose at What You Want to See

A simple but powerful rule: use your nose to guide your vision.

If you want to see an object clearly, turn your head so your nose is pointing at it. This aligns your eye line with the correct part of the lens.

4. Use the Lower Part of the Lens for Reading

To see near objects clearly, drop your eyes slightly to engage the lower part of the lens. This offers clearer focus for reading menus, phones, books or labels.

5. Practise Walking, Stairs and Movement

It’s completely normal for the lower part of the lens to feel unusual when walking. The floor may appear closer or further away at first. Practise at home before relying on your new glasses outdoors.

When navigating stairs, tilt your head down slightly rather than just flicking your eyes.

6. Keep the Frame Positioned Correctly

Improper frame position is one of the biggest reasons people struggle to adjust.

Your optician should ensure your frame:

• Sits straight on your face

• Keeps the optical centre aligned with your eye line

• Maintains a comfortable height on your nose

• Stays secure during normal wear

If your frame slips, sits too low or tilts forward, the lens alignment changes and makes adapting harder.

7. Allow Your Brain to Relearn Visual Pathways

Adaptation is not just about the eyes; your brain also plays a major role. It must reinterpret visual signals, understand new focal points and eliminate distortion. This is why wearing varifocal lenses consistently helps your brain build new visual habits efficiently.

8. Don’t Expect Instant Perfection

Varifocals are not like a simple new pair of glasses with identical powers throughout the lens. They have different parts, different distances and different power levels combined in one lens. Expect a short adjustment period and don’t be discouraged.

9. Keep Good Posture During Computer Work

When doing computer work, keep the screen at a slightly lower height so the intermediate zone aligns naturally with your eye line. This reduces neck strain and helps the focus zone sit comfortably.

10. Start with Simple Tasks

Reading a book, watching TV or working on your computer helps your brain understand the different distances. Avoid high-speed activities until your vision feels stable.

11. Wear Them Indoors First

When you first get new varifocals, start indoors where lighting is controlled. Darker environments may make it harder to see clear focal transitions in the beginning.

12. Take Breaks if Needed

While consistent wear matters, it's still okay to take short breaks if you experience eye strain. Just avoid returning to older glasses.

Why Some People Take Longer to Adapt

Adaptation times vary because:

1. Some prescriptions require stronger corrections
2. Some wearers naturally use more peripheral vision
3. New glasses may require a shift in visual habits
4. The brain sometimes needs longer to interpret new patterns
5. Entry level varifocal lenses may have narrower viewing channels

None of this means varifocals won’t work for you. Most people adapt fully with time, patience and good techniques.

Varifocal Glasses vs Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses only provide two vision zones with a visible dividing line. Varifocals provide a smooth transition between near, intermediate and far distances, with no line and a more natural feel.

While bifocals are simpler, varifocals work better for most wearers who want modern, seamless vision and don’t want to carry more than one pair.

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks

During the first few weeks:

1. Your peripheral distortion will reduce
2. Your head movements will become automatic
3. Your brain will learn how varifocals work
4. Your vision will stabilise
5. Your depth perception will improve
6. Your reading zone will feel more natural
7. You’ll notice fewer headaches or moments of blur

Most people report that after two weeks they barely think about their lenses at all.

It becomes completely normal—your brain has fully adapted.

Should You Own More Than One Pair?

Some varifocal wearers prefer two pairs:

1. One for daily wear
2. One for spare or different tasks

However, during the adaptation period, stick to the same pair. Switching between lenses can confuse your brain and delay progress.

Once you’re fully accustomed, multiple pairs can be helpful for sport, driving, computer work or fashion.

Choosing the Correct Varifocal Lenses

Choosing the right varifocal lens type helps make varifocal glasses easy to adapt to. Advanced designs often offer:

1. Wider viewing channels
2. Reduced distortion
3. Smoother intermediate zones
4. Better peripheral vision
5. Improved comfort for computer work

Entry level varifocal lenses are functional but may have narrower fields, meaning your head movements need to be more precise.

Your optician will help you choose the correct option for your prescription, frame and lifestyle.

When Should You Seek Advice?

You should contact your optician if:

1. Vision remains blurry after two weeks
2. You experience persistent headaches
3. Your frame feels uncomfortable
4. Objects distort excessively
5. You suspect the prescription may not be correct

An adjustment to the frame or nose pads often resolves the issue. In some cases, recalibrating the power or focal points may be needed.

Conclusion: Making Varifocal Glasses Easy

Getting used to varifocal glasses takes patience, practice and consistency, but most people adapt well with the right approach. By wearing your new glasses full-time, using good head movements, understanding the lens design and giving your brain time to adjust, you’ll enjoy clear vision across various distances without switching between different types of glasses.

Varifocals are designed to help you see the world more comfortably, whether reading, driving, working or navigating everyday life. With the right guidance and realistic expectations, the process becomes completely normal—and the long-term benefits far outweigh the short adjustment period.

If you’re considering upgrading or replacing your lenses, exploring high-quality varifocal options and ensuring the correct fit will make the transition smoother. With good preparation and the tips above, you can get used to varifocal lenses quickly and enjoy the freedom they bring.