Bifocal glasses lens guide

As we get older, we’ll start to find it more and more difficult to read or focus on things that are close up. This is called presbyopia and is a perfectly normal part of ageing. Most people become aware of presbyopia when they start holding their phone or book further away in order to see it clearly. Presbyopia will start to happen around the age of 40. So if this sounds familiar, and you already wear glasses, it might be time for an eye exam and to maybe give bifocal glasses a try. If you don’t already wear glasses for distance vision, your optometrist might recommend single‑vision lenses.

Yes. Bifocal lenses combine two prescriptions into a single pair of glasses. The top part of the lens corrects distance vision, and the lower part corrects vision for close‑up focusing. So no need for additional reading glasses.

Bifocals have two lens powers – one for distance and one for up close. Progressive lenses combine three lens powers, adding a third intermediate section which allows for easier movement between distance and close vision. Your optometrist will be able to recommend the best lens to suit your needs.