Glass or Plastic Lenses? Why Almost No One Wears Glass Lenses Now, and Who Still Might
26 October 2026
07:58
Varifocal lenses let you see far away, at arm’s length and close up through one pair of glasses, with no visible line. Most people adapt within one to two weeks. When varifocals don’t work, it’s usually the fitting, the frame or the lens design, not your eyes.
If you’re over 40 and holding your phone further away to read it, you’ve probably heard the word varifocals, and maybe a story about someone who couldn’t get on with them
A varifocal lens, also called a progressive lens, changes power gradually from top to bottom. You look through the top for distance, through the middle for arm’s length (a computer screen or the car dashboard), and through the bottom for reading.
Unlike bifocals, there’s no visible line, and there’s no jump between distances. The trade-off is that the edges of the lens, on either side of the clear “corridor”, are slightly blurred. Good lens design and accurate fitting make those areas smaller and much less noticeable.
The need for varifocals usually starts in your 40s, when the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible and close focusing gets harder. Here’s how to tell if you need reading glasses after 40.
We use digitally surfaced (freeform) varifocal lenses from our advanced lens range. These are designed for your individual prescription and frame, which gives wider clear zones than basic designs.
But the lens is only half the story. The fitting is where the difference is made:
Our state-of-the-art lens range includes digitally surfaced (freeform) varifocal lenses from leading Japanese and British manufacturers. The difference between these and a standard varifocal is significant: freeform lenses are calculated point-by-point across the entire surface, customised to your prescription, your frame measurements, and even how you naturally hold your head. The result is wider, clearer zones and dramatically less peripheral distortion.
But the lens is only half the story. The fitting process is where the real difference is made:
If the fit doesn’t feel right, or you need time to adjust, that’s what our aftercare is for. We also offer a 30-day varifocal guarantee – if you’re still struggling to adapt after a full month of wear, you’re not stuck with them.
If varifocals don’t suit you, or you want a backup for particular tasks, there are alternatives:
And if you’ve got a favourite frame you don’t want to give up, reglazing it with varifocal lenses is often possible.
It depends on the lens design and any extras, such as thinner lenses, anti-reflection coatings or light-reactive lenses. Premium designs cost more, but they are usually easier to adapt to. We always give you a full quote before you order.
If you qualify for an NHS optical voucher, you can put it towards your varifocals. You can check who qualifies for help with glasses. And with our 2nd pair half price offer, a second pair can be varifocal sunglasses. Here’s more about prescription sunglasses.
If you’ve been putting off varifocals, or tried a pair once and gave up, a properly fitted pair can feel completely different. Bring your old pair with you; we can measure them and usually tell you why they didn’t work.
To book your varifocal consultation, call Mosspark Opticians on 0141 427 4040, or visit us at 115 Airth Drive, Bellahouston, Glasgow G52 1JU.
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Most people adapt within one to two weeks of wearing them all day. If you're still struggling after a month, the fitting or lens design usually needs checking, not your eyes. Come back and we'll look at it under our 30-day varifocal guarantee.
Dizziness or swimming vision is almost always caused by one of three things: fitting measurements that weren't precise, a basic lens design with wider areas of distortion, or a frame that was too shallow or didn't sit still. All three can be fixed.
Premium digitally surfaced (freeform) varifocals are designed point by point for your prescription and frame. They give wider clear zones and less distortion at the edges, which makes them easier to adapt to. Basic designs have narrower clear areas.
Any registered practice can supply varifocals, but the result depends on the measurements, frame choice and lens design. Ask whether the fitting height is measured with your chosen frame on, and what happens if you can't get used to them.
Yes - we offer varifocal lens. If you're still struggling to adjust after a full month of wear, we'll work with you to find a solution rather than leaving you stuck.
In most cases, yes - provided your frames are in good structural condition and have enough vertical depth for the varifocal zones. We'll assess suitability in person before proceeding.
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Team Mosspark Opticians