What you need to know before buying Varilux progressive lenses: A review

Varilux is a brand of progressive eyeglass lenses used to correct presbyopia, a natural change in vision that usually starts around age 40. As you age, different eye parts become inflexible, affecting the eye’s ability to focus on near objects or fine print. Varilux lenses provide clear vision at every distance by transitioning seamlessly from one prescription strength to the next. 

The benefits of Varilux lenses over other options for presbyopia correction

Varilux lenses are designed with a patented W.A.V.E technology that identifies and eliminates distortion. This technology analyzes the individual prescription of each lens and examines the changes in pupil size as the eye focuses on bright light at different distances. The result is a custom lens that works for your unique vision prescription and eye behavior. 

A brief history of Varilux and its innovative technology

The Varilux lenses were developed in 1959 by optical and mechanical engineer Bernard Maitenaz. Since its debut, Varilux has expanded its research to meet the needs of every presbyope. In 2018, a survey taken among independent eye care professionals revealed Varilux as the #1 recommended progressive lens brand for presbyopia.

Varilux progressive lenses vs. bifocals

Before Varilux progressive lens reviews were created, many people relied on bifocals to correct their distance and near vision. The trouble with bifocals is that they only allow you to see far away and up close — any mid-distance or arm’s-length focus is still blurry. Plus, bifocal lenses are notorious for the distracting line that separates the different focal strengths. This line makes it so wearers have to tilt their heads forward to see at a distance and back to see up close. Varilux progressive lenses do away with the harsh lines in bifocals and sharpen distance vision, near vision, and everywhere in between.

Experience the ultimate in visual comfort with Varilux lenses

Say goodbye to awkward head tilting and hello to effortless vision with Varilux lenses. Featuring cutting-edge technology Xtend™ technology, Varilux lenses provide extended vision at arm’s length for a truly comfortable wearing experience. They have several options for you to choose the best that fits your style.

Varilux X: Near and dynamic vision at its best

This new lens is the latest and most advanced Varilux lens, designed for people who multitask and switch between multiple screens and devices. It provides sharp vision at arm’s length and beyond and a wider near vision zone. It also reduces head movement and eye strain, making it ideal for digital natives. Varilux X series lenses are designed to meet today’s near-vision demands. They are the only progressive lenses with Xtend® Technology, a breakthrough design calculation that significantly extends the area of sharp vision within arm’s reach. Patients no longer have to tilt their heads to find “just the right spot”.

Varilux Comfort: The choice for everyday ease and clarity

This classic Varilux lens provides easy adaptation and wide fields of vision. It also reduces eye fatigue and headaches caused by presbyopia. It is ideal for people who wear progressive lenses for the first time or want a simple, reliable solution. Varilux Comfort Max lenses are designed to adjust to your unique natural postures, providing enhanced postural flexibility and a stretched useful vision zone for all-day-long vision comfort. They utilize a new design approach that maximizes the patient’s useful vision zone. This approach – often called 20/Happy vision correction – goes beyond normal resolution to consider factors like contrast, binocularity, and distortion. By maximizing 20/Happy vision correction, wearers can use a greater area of the lens, experiencing postural flexibility for all-day-long vision comfort.

Varilux Physio: Natural and sharp vision with enhanced optics

This Varilux lens enhances contrast and color perception, especially in low-light conditions. It also adapts to your pupil size as you focus at different distances, ensuring optimal visual quality. It is recommended for people who enjoy reading, watching movies, or driving at night. Varilux Physio 3.0 lenses use WAVE 2.0 technology to remove distortions caused by the curvature of the lens surface and provide sharp vision even in low light conditions. They also utilize patented Binocular Booster technology, which optimizes your different lenses to function as a complementary pair for smooth transitions from far to near. With Varilux Physio lenses, your eyes can work better together and focus more easily.

Varilux E series: The latest in effortless and smooth vision

This high-performance Varilux lens delivers smooth transitions between near, intermediate, and far vision. It also minimizes distortion and blur in the peripheral vision, giving you a more natural visual experience. It suits people who value clarity and comfort in their daily activities. Varilux E Series lenses are designed for fast adaptation and less distortions. Thanks to the unique engineering in Varilux E series Digital Surfacing and Swim Control™ technology, they control the swim effect. You can enjoy enhanced visual comfort and exceptional value with Varilux E Series lenses.

How Varilux lenses work

Varilux lenses work by providing clear vision at every distance. They do so by transitioning seamlessly from one lens to another with different prescription strengths. This seamless transition accommodates the way your eyes move and focus.

But how do they achieve this without causing distortion or blur in natural vision? The secret lies in the patented technology used to develop Varilux lenses and glasses. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Varilux technology:

  • W.A.V.E Technology: This technology analyzes the individual prescription of each lens and examines the changes in pupil size as the eye focuses at different distances. It then identifies and eliminates distortion and aberrations that may affect vision quality. The result is a custom lens that works for your unique vision prescription and eye behavior.
  • SynchronEyes Technology: This technology ensures that both eyes work together as a pair when looking at different distances. It balances the power distribution across each lens and optimizes the binocular fields of vision. The result is a more comfortable and natural visual experience.
  • 4D Technology: This technology considers your dominant eye when designing your lens. It enhances the reaction speed of your dominant eye when moving from one

The personal verdict on Varilux lenses and their value for money

Varilux lenses are not cheap. The average cost of Varilux lenses is between $129 to more than $400 for the lens alone. A prescription may cost you about $60 to $125 without insurance. If you prefer coating to reduce glare and prevent harmful blue light, it may cost you an additional $50 and $100.

But are Varilux lenses worth the money? Based on our own experience and reading the reviews from other users, we think they are. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • Varilux lenses provide sharp vision at every distance, even in dimly lit conditions. They eliminate the blurriness, off-balance feeling, and low-light issues of ordinary progressive lenses.
  • Varilux lenses are customized to suit your individual prescription and eye behavior. They use patented technology that analyzes your eyes and eliminates distortion and aberrations.
  • Varilux lenses are designed to fit your lifestyle and visual needs. They offer different options for different activities and environments, such as multitasking, reading, driving, or working on a computer screen.
  • Varilux lenses are durable and easy to maintain. They come with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, and UV-protective coatings, enhancing their performance and longevity.

Of course, Varilux lenses are not perfect. Some users may still experience some adaptation issues, such as slight dizziness or nausea when wearing them for very long hours for the first time. Some users may also prefer other brands of progressive lenses that offer similar or better features at a lower price.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if Varilux lenses are right for you is to try wearing them yourself. You can find an Essilor Expert near you who can help you discover the perfect Varilux lenses for your vision needs, or visit 39dollarglasses.com. You can also ask for a trial period or a warranty policy that covers any defects or dissatisfaction with your lenses.

How to get your pair of Varilux lenses and enjoy a new level of vision quality

If you are interested in getting your pair of Varilux lenses, here are all the benefits and steps you need to follow:

Visit your eye doctor or optician for a comprehensive eye exam. Ensure you get an updated prescription for your reading glasses and ask about your options for progressive lenses.

Choose the Varilux lens design that suits your lifestyle and visual needs. You can consult your eye doctor optician, or visit the 39dollarglasses website for more information about the available Varilux lenses.

  • Select the frame that fits your face shape and style preferences. You can browse through various frames online or in-store, or ask for recommendations from your eye doctor or optician.
  • Order your Varilux lenses and wait for them to be delivered or ready for pickup. Depending on your prescription and lens design, it may take a few days or weeks for your lenses to be made and fitted into your frame.
  • Enjoy your new pair of Varilux lenses and experience a new level of vision quality. You may need some time to adjust to your new lenses, especially if this is your first time wearing progressive lenses. Follow the tips from your eye doctor or optician on wearing and caring for your best progressive lenses.

From Seebelievee: the key takeaways

Varilux progressive lenses are a great option for people who have presbyopia and want to enjoy clear vision at every distance. They offer several benefits over ordinary progressive lenses, true benefits such as:

  • Eliminating distortion and blur in the peripheral vision
  • Providing smooth transitions between near, intermediate, and far vision
  • Adapting to your individual prescription and eye behavior
  • Enhancing contrast and color perception
  • Reducing eye fatigue and headaches

Varilux lenses come in different designs that cater to different lifestyles and visual demands. You can choose from Varilux X series, Varilux E series, Varilux Physio, or Varilux Comfort depending on your preferences and budget.

Varilux lenses are not cheap, but they are worth the money if you value clarity and comfort in your daily activities. You can find an Essilor Expert near you who can help you discover the perfect Varilux lenses for your vision needs.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about Varilux progressive lenses and their design lenses, pros and cons. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.