Why do my no-line bifocals not focus when I use my perphial vision. I was told this is normal.?

Question

There is a sweet spot straight ahead and high on the glasses where I am 20-15 with corrected lenses. The bifocal part works fine when I'm reading. Why can't the sides (above the bifocal) have the correct focus?

Answer 1

No line bifocal also known as varifocals are progressive lenses that correct 3 areas of vision near, intermediate and distance so there is agradual change in vision from top to bottom of the lens. The side areas have what is called soft focus it shows distortion more eventually the brain ignores this and all round vision (peripheral) becomes normal. You need to persevere for about 4 weeks, if after this time nothing changes go back to the opticians and ask to speak to a dispensing optician to check out your glasses to the prescription and check correct fitting and explain varifocals using diagrams. Good Luck.

Answer 2

If this is the first time you've had bifocals (particularly no line bifocals) the transition point might not be correct. It seems to be more art than science to get it right. My first pair had to be remade because the transition point was too high.

But, all no-line bifocals have some measure of distortion on the sides. It's inheirent in the way they're made. The larger the lens, the less you'll see the distortion on the sides (it's a trade-off for the no-line type) But, I agree that if it's severe, take it back to the store (or even better to your opthamologist) and make sure they're correctly ground.

Answer 3

Also have your optician lower the frame, i.e. pantoscopic tilt or put some face form or wrap to the frame.

Are you near sighted or far sighted? Bought them at a chain store or an independent optical shop? Most chain stores sell older style lenses that DON'T open the periphery as the newer lenses do.

Answer 4

Mine focus in all spots. Take them to your opthamologist and see if the prescription was filled correctly.