For people who struggle with both myopia and farsightedness, constantly switching between reading glasses and distance glasses can be frustrating. Luckily, multifocal glasses offer a convenient solution. In this blog, we explore multifocal glasses—designed for those who need correction at multiple distances. We’ll explain the different types, including progressive, bifocal, and varifocal lenses, to help you choose what suits you best.

What are multifocal glasses?

‍Multifocal glasses have lenses with different strengths distributed across distinct “viewing zones,” allowing you to see clearly both near and far. These zones include:

  1. Top half: distance correction
    This area corrects myopia (nearsightedness). When you look straight ahead or into the distance, your eyes use the top portion of the lenses, which provides the distance prescription—just like classic glasses.
  2. Bottom half: near correction
    This zone corrects farsightedness. When you look down to read or focus on something close, your eyes use the bottom part of the lenses, often called the “reading zone.”
  3. Middle zone: intermediate correction
    Situated between the top and bottom, this zone sharpens vision at medium distances (about 0.5 to 1.5 meters). It’s perfect for viewing screens, dashboards, or other mid-range tasks. This zone also ensures smooth transitions between distance and near corrections for comfortable vision.

What are progressive lenses?

‍Progressive lenses are a type of multifocal lens with a gradual transition between all zones—distance, intermediate, and near. This smooth progression allows your eyes and brain to adjust naturally without abrupt jumps in focus. At Glazoo, we specialize in progressive lenses, which many find the most comfortable option.

What are bifocal glasses?

‍Bifocal glasses also correct near and far vision but lack an intermediate zone. Instead of a gradual transition, they have a distinct “reading box” at the bottom. Bifocals can feel less comfortable because of the sharp switch between prescriptions and don’t correct medium distances, like computer work. Since progressive lenses became popular, bifocals have been less common.

What are varifocal glasses?

‍You might have heard terms like “varifocus” or “varifocal” glasses and wondered how they differ from multifocals. The answer: they don’t! These terms all refer to the same type of lenses with multiple viewing zones.

Interested in progressive lenses?

‍Order your custom progressive lenses online at Glazoo from just €175 per pair. Simply send us your prescription and favorite frame, and we’ll take care of the rest. Have questions or want to try before you buy? Email, call, or visit one of our stores—we’re happy to help!