Variofocal Glasses for Riding

[scaredcommuter]

Been to the opticians this morning, have worn distance glasses for years , but now need them for reading too. The optician suggested that rather than having a pair for each that it may be better to wear varifocals.
When i asked about riding in them, i wasnt convinced by their reply. Does anyone on here ride in varifocals? are they safe to use? Or as vision is so important on a bike, should I stick to what i know. Your advice as always would be appreciated.

[Admin]

I do, but I've used them for quite a few years now and they do take a bit of getting used to at first.

They can hamper your peripheral vision to the side slightly. However, varifocals come in differents specs and invariably the better quality ones (and more expensive) reduce that. To some extent it will depend on your prescription. If your eyes need lots of correction then you'll notice it more. It also is influenced by the height of the lens, smaller (and trendier) lenses are less suited to varifocals if your prescription is bad.

[scaredcommuter]

 
Admin thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[HappyFrog]

I have very high strength varifocals and have had them since before riding a motorbike. I don't have a problem at all with them. I do however have a second pair for wearing on the bike - the arms are flat so they are more comfortable under the helmet, the hinge joint is also a more flexible one to ease the inevitable pressure on the arms.
Varifocals have made my life much much easier, so if you can get on with them in daily life then there's no reason why you won't be able to on the bike. Good luck!

[Kantara]

 Interesting subject.  I have been wearing glasses for many many years.  The type I wear are the bifocal ones.  I did try variofocal but could not get on with them.  I, like many,
 carry a spare pair plus a pair with just the distance lens.

Get what you are comfortable with. The first thing I do when I get out of bed is put my glasses on and the last thing I do when I go to bed is take my glasses off.

Best of luck,

Kantara   

[tookadum]

Yep varifocals work fine for me and have a pair of varifocal sunglasses for riding - one has to keep up appearances you know.   

[johna6968]

I feel kind of left out now not wearing glasses whilst I ride the bike    I fear it wont be too long though as apparently my better eye is currently making up for the bad one 

[onazoomerF]

Admin

I do, but I've used them for quite a few years now and they do take a bit of getting used to at first.

"differents specs" and "invariably"

- Ha!