Some posts here on ARoseTintedWorld may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy a product or register, then I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I may also use products from the companies mentioned in these posts. Thank you for supporting my blog!
A couple of weeks ago I decided to face up to a problem that I had been having. Rather worryingly, since quitting my job last year I had noticed that my ability to read things close up had really deteriorated. I had started doing the things that I’d seen others doing – holding books and boxes at arms length. Sewing had even started to become tricky. I wasn’t happy. What if I decided to return to work? I couldn’t really do it with dodgy vision! Did I have a problem? I decided to see my optician. Turns out I just needed varifocal lenses.
Varifocal Lenses
Fact is, I’m a lady in her mid 40s. And apparently it’s a really common side effect for there to be some sight changes at this age.
As we get older, the lens at the front of the eye gets harder and loses it’s elasticity. Because of this, the focus in our eye changes. It makes it more difficult to read things that are close to us. At the same time, the muscles around the eyes change.
So our near and distance vision can be really affected. We start to need different lenses for different things. Just another way that the universe is telling me that I’m getting really old, yippee.
Varifocal lenses were designed to help this problem. The top part of the lens deals with distance vision, the middle of the lens with middle vision (such as seeing the TV across the room) and the bottom of the lens manages the close up work such as reading. This means that all your vision can be corrected in a single lens.
But I hate wearing glasses!
I actually wear mine as little as possible, because
- They steam up when you’ve been out in the cold and come into the warm.
- They are always dirty (I don’t even know how!)
- In the rain you practically need wipers.
- My little girl always wants to play with them / wear them / knock them off
- They make me feel frumpy (sorry, but they just do!)
Due to all these reasons I’ve shunned glasses for almost 30 years. I’ve worn contact lenses since I was 18. The thought of having to go back to glasses because I needed varifocals filled me with dread.
But to my surprise and delight they now do varifocal/multifocal contact lenses! Don’t ask me how, but my prescription was worked out, tweaked and I can pay on a monthly direct debit, just as I had been doing with my single vision lenses. (But do be aware, the cost per month is almost double) You can even get daily varifocal contact lenses!
And a couple of weeks on, I am adapting really well. I’ve yet to drive at night wearing them (apparently at night your vision wearing these lenses is not quite as good), but on the whole I am really happy. My sewing has felt much easier.
Better light also helps when reading – see my Serious Readers Alex Light Review.
Now there are always the golden rules of lenses that I need to abide by.
The Golden Rules of Contact Lenses
- Don’t shower or swim in them.
- Try not to rub your eyes excessively.
- Never sleep in them
- Never run them under a tap, always use saline or solution provided.
- Keep regular check-ups at the optician
- Make sure hands are clean before inserting/removing them
- Remove eye make up well to prevent eye infections, and NEVER wear lenses if you do have an eye infection.
But at the end of the day, I’m just so happy that I get to keep wearing contact lenses, even though they are now varifocal lenses. Nobody need know but me. And now you…
Do you wear glasses or lenses? Do you enjoy them? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or come follow me on social media.
Enjoyed this? Why not read how I got pregnant at 43 – and about Being an Older Mum
or The Pros and Cons of Being an Older Mother
or Why Is My Toddler Hitting Herself?
Good info – pinned and shared. #mmbc
Thank you Carol!
I wrote a post on varifocals a few months ago too. I’m really enjoying mine. It’s so great to read a menu and see the room.
https://www.muttonstyle.com
It really has made a change. Especially to my sewing, which is really great. Glad you are enjoying yours too!
i’m so lucky that I’ve never had to wear glasses. and i find the thought of contacts scary! #KCACOLS
Contacts take a little bit of getting used to, but once you’ve put them in a few times they are easy!
Wow I’m actually really excited about this – I wear lenses and have done since I was 18 (I’m 39 next month) but it did occur to me the other day that if my eyesight ever changes, I’d be lost without being able to wear them every day. This is great news! #ItsOK
It’s a total game changers isn’t it? I was actually in denial for a year because I’d just assumed that I would have to wear glasses again. So glad I was wrong! Thank you for reading.
Thanks for the info. Great advice. I have had glasses for 9 years. I started having trouble in college. The boards got harder and harder to see. I see fine up close and don’t need to wear them to read. I don’t really wear contacts except for in the Spring/Summer so that I can wear my cute sunglasses! 🙂 🙂 #KCACOLS
I just didn’t realise that our eyesight can change so dramatically or why!
You know, i’ve always wanted to wear glasses but when you explained all the downsides I might rethink it! I don’t need them but I like how they look. Thanks for linking up to #KCACOLS. Hope you’ll join in again next time
Thank you for reading. Yes, there are real downsides too spectacles that contact lens wearing removes. I certainly try to wear them as little as possible!
Thanks for linking up to the #itsok linky.
I didn’t know that contacts could be varifocal: I’m pleased for you! I wear glasses all the time. I used to wear contact but I felt my eyesight was deteriorating quicker so I stopped wearing them. I like hiding behind my specs! Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
Thank you for reading!
I am so delighted to read this – I wear reading glasses for reading and they really make me look like a granny (sorry) and they give me a headache.
#kcacols
Yes, I’m sure glasses age me too. Some people look fab in them, but not me! Thank you for reading.
As a fellow glass wearer I know how frustrating it is to have glasses on around kids! If you’re not scratching their face accidentally when kissing and cuddling them, they are bending them way beyond their capabilities!! So pleased to hear they do them as contact lenses too, as I can see myself heading down that route in the near future as my eyesight feels like it is getting worse xxx
Children are just totally intrigued by glasses aren’t they? And it’s hard to explain to a toddler that the arms don’t bend outwards!
Oh thank you for sharing – I didn’t know any of this information on varifocal lenses before #itsok
Me neither before I went. Didn’t think it was really common knowledge, which is always worth a share!
I’ve had glasses since 1st grade. So thank you for this post! I have the progressive lenses that have near, far and in between. What a difference, as long as I can keep my head up! #KCACOLS xoxo
These certainly have been a revelation for me too!
Unfortunately I can’t wear varifocal contact lenses but I love my varifocal glasses. I’m still supposed to wear my contact lenses but then I have to remember to take reading glasses everywhere with me. The joys of getting old!
#MMBC
Aw what a shame, my contact lens lady did say that certain people with astigmatism couldn’t wear them. Reading glasses can look cool though!
Wow. Thanks for sharing.