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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
Bifocals combine distance and reading prescriptions in a single pair of glasses — useful once your eyes need help with both.
Options to consider
Choosing the right lens — your situation matters.
Traditional
Lined bifocal
Two clear zones with a visible line. Inexpensive, easy to get used to. Some people find the line cosmetically dated; others appreciate the clear demarcation.
More modern
Progressive lenses
Smooth transition from distance to reading with no visible line and an intermediate zone for screens. More expensive and slightly more adaptation.
For computers
Office/computer lenses
Specialized lenses with a larger intermediate zone for screen distance — useful if you spend many hours at a computer.
Single purpose
Reading glasses only
If your distance vision is fine, single-purpose reading glasses are simpler and cheaper. Trade-off: you swap them on and off as you change tasks.
Come in if
You're struggling with adaptation, getting headaches, feeling dizzy with new lenses, or noticing the prescription doesn't feel right — minor adjustments often resolve early adaptation issues.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Will bifocals fix my reading vision permanently?+
They give you the right prescription for now. Reading prescriptions tend to increase a small amount every few years as presbyopia progresses through your 40s and 50s.
Why do I trip on stairs with new bifocals?+
The reading zone in the lower part of the lens makes the ground look closer than it is when you look down at stairs. Tilting your head — not just your eyes — gives you the distance prescription when navigating stairs.
Are progressives worth the extra cost?+
Often yes — no visible line, no abrupt jump, an intermediate zone for screens. About 1 in 5 people don't adapt well; if you're one of them, lined bifocals are still excellent.
Can I wear bifocal contacts?+
Yes — multifocal contact lenses work on similar principles. Adaptation varies; some people see well immediately, others need a few weeks of adjustment.
How long does adaptation take?+
Most people adapt to bifocals within 1–2 weeks; progressives can take 2–4 weeks. If adaptation isn't going well after that, come back — your optician can adjust the fitting.