Age comes with lots of changes, including to your vision. Presbyopia is a common condition in older adults that makes it harder to see things up close. When you have trouble seeing things farther away, as well, it often means switching between reading glasses and distance glasses depending on the situation. 

If you’re looking to end the frustration of juggling more than one pair of glasses, consider varifocal contact lenses. This convenient, all-in-one vision solution corrects near, intermediate, and distance vision all at once. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over how varifocal contacts work, who they’re for, how they measure up to other vision solutions, and some considerations to keep in mind. 

What Are Varifocal Contact Lenses?

Varifocal contact lenses, also known as multifocal contacts, have multiple prescriptions built into one lens. Unlike single-vision contacts, which only correct one type of vision, these lenses have different focal zones that target both near and distant vision. Your brain adapts to interpret the focal zones depending on how far away the object you’re looking at is. This means seamless transitions between tasks — no more stopping to change your glasses. 

Varifocal contacts come in three main types:

• Concentric: These lenses are constructed like a target, with concentric rings that correct either near or distance vision. 
• Aspheric: These lenses are more of a gradient, with distance vision in the center, intermediate vision outside of that, and near vision at the edges.
• Segmented: These lenses are like bifocal glasses, with a section for distance vision at the top and a section for near vision at the bottom. 

Each type is suitable for different needs, which is why a proper fitting and consultation with an optician is essential for success with varifocal contacts. 

Who Are Varifocal Contact Lenses For?

Varifocal contact lenses are ideal for people with presbyopia, who are typically at least 40 years old. They’re great for those with active lifestyles who want a more comfortable solution, those who frequently use electronic devices, those who dislike reading glasses, and those who want a more natural-looking appearance. They can help with a number of daily tasks, including driving, working on the computer, and reading — all without switching between different pairs of glasses. 

Potential Challenges & Considerations

Like with any vision solution, varifocal contacts require an adjustment period for both the brain and the eyes. While you adapt to the different focal zones, you may experience glare, halos, or a slight blur in certain lighting. It’s important to be patient while you get used to your new contacts and follow your eye doctor or optician’s wear instructions. If you still struggle with your varifocal contacts after a few weeks, a follow-up visit may be necessary to ensure the prescription and type of lenses are right for you. 

Tips for Adjusting to Varifocal Contact Lenses

If you decide to give varifocal contact lenses a try, here are some tips to help ease the adjustment period:

• Give your eyes the time they need to adapt
• Wear your contacts consistently during the adjustment period
• Follow proper cleaning and care habits
• Communicate with your optometrist about any issues, including eye strain, headaches, and discomfort

Varifocal Contacts vs. Other Vision Correction Options

Varifocal contact lenses, like any type of contacts, are better for most sports and activities than glasses. While they provide similar functionality to bifocal or progressive glasses, they’re more streamlined and don’t affect your appearance. Plus, unlike reading glasses, prescription lenses for nearsightedness, or monovision contacts, they help you see things both up close and far away, making them by far the most convenient option. 

The Importance of a Professional Contact Lens Fitting

Because varifocal lenses have multiple focal zones, they require precise measurements to ensure the right fit. Eye exams are crucial for protecting your eye health and comfort. Your optician will customize your lenses based on your lifestyle and vision needs to create a solution that’s as unique as you. 

Explore Contact Lenses at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we offer a comprehensive selection of contact lenses suitable for a wide range of needs. With an emphasis on personalized care and expert guidance, you’re sure to find the vision solution that works best for you. 

If you have any questions about contact lenses or eyeglasses, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. And if you’re ready to explore your options, come visit our store in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Your glasses are supposed to make your life better by allowing you to see clearly. When properly prescribed and fitted, glasses shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort. So why do some people get headaches while wearing their glasses?

If you’re a glasses-wearer who’s battling persistent headaches, keep reading to learn possible causes of your pain, including prescription issues, fit problems, lens choices, and eye strain. We’ll also discuss pain prevention and how to know when to visit your eye doctor.

Why Glasses Sometimes Cause Headaches

Your brain’s vision center and the muscles in and around your eyes work together to help you see clearly. Corrective lenses can force your eyes and brain to work harder at first as they adjust to the new prescription, sometimes causing headaches and discomfort; however, this shouldn’t last longer than a few days. 

If wearing glasses makes your head hurt even outside of this adjustment period, it’s a sign that something isn’t right, whether it’s your prescription, the lens fit, or lifestyle factors. 

An Outdated or Incorrect Prescription

Your vision changes over time, which means that the prescription lenses that worked at one point in the past may not be accurate years later. To compensate for an outdated prescription, your eyes have to work harder, causing eye strain that can contribute to headaches.

The same thing happens with an incorrect prescription. Errors in strength, axis, or prism can trigger headaches, which is why it’s so important to receive a comprehensive eye exam from an experienced eye doctor. 

Lens Type and Design Issues

Progressive and bifocal lenses often take longer to adjust to than standard lenses. Many people experience headaches as their eyes adjust to multifocal lenses. This discomfort can be minimized by ensuring precise measurements and proper fitting height. 

Heavier lenses can also cause pressure and discomfort. If your prescription is especially strong, consider opting for high-index lenses instead of thick, heavy lenses that put extra pressure on your nose and ears. 

Poor Glasses Fit

Lenses aren’t the only part of your glasses that can cause head pain. If the frames are too tight, they can put pressure on your temples and behind your ears, restricting circulation and causing tension headaches. Another cause of tension headaches is subconsciously tensing your head and facial muscles in an attempt to keep your glasses from sliding down your nose. Uneven or tight nose pads can also contribute to head pain. 

The good news is that these fit issues are fixable. Optical professionals can adjust bothersome issues and ensure your glasses fit your face comfortably. 

Eye Strain from Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to eye strain and the ensuing headaches. Increased screen time, poor lighting conditions, and improper viewing distances can exacerbate the effects of fit issues and improper prescriptions, causing pain and discomfort. Blue light-filtering lenses can help alleviate some of this eye strain and help you find relief. 

When Headaches Are Not Caused by Glasses

Of course, not all headaches are caused by wearing glasses. Tension, stress, sinus pressure, a lack of sleep, and migraines can all contribute to head pain, as well. It’s important to rule out these non-vision-related causes to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and find effective solutions. If pain persists even when you’re not wearing your glasses and interferes with your everyday life, it’s time to consult a medical professional to get to the bottom of the issue. 

How to Prevent Headaches From Your Glasses

The best way to prevent headaches from your glasses is seeking regular eye exams. These appointments allow your eye doctor to catch prescription changes early, before they have the chance to cause discomfort. 

Getting professionally fitted frames is also important. Eyewear isn’t one-size-fits-all, and in-store fitting and adjustments are the only way to make sure your glasses properly fit your face. 

When to Visit Your Eye Care Professional

It’s time to visit your eye doctor if:

• Your headaches last more than two weeks
• You experience blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea
• Your discomfort worsens over time

They can help you determine whether your headaches are related to vision problems or there’s something else going on. 

Find the Perfect Glasses for You at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect glasses for your needs. With a wide range of styles available, you can trust that we’ll have glasses that don’t just look great on you, but fit you properly, as well. Stop by our store in Salt Lake City today to see what we have to offer!