What Are The Best Multifocal Lenses out There?

LHany1234 on 06/02/2020 - 00:18

Hi All,

I tried multifocal glasses from Specsavers approximately 3 years ago, but absolutely hated them and ended up exchanging them for single vision. Unfortunately, I now seem to need multifocals, it appears that there is no escape of presbyopia which comes once you get older than 40-ish.

I went to OPSM and was quoted over $850 for the top of the range multifocals (minus $150 from my private health fund and extra discounts, still came to $660). When I asked why they were so expensive, I was told they are the best brand of multifocal lenses. And that they use Essilor Lenses, unlike their cheap competitors who use cheaper brands.

A quick Google search indicates that brands available are:
Hoyalux iD MyStyle (Hoya Vision Care)
Seiko Supercede (Seiko Optical Products of America)
Shamir Autograph II (Shamir Insight)
Varilux Physio DRx (Essilor of America)
Sola HDV (Carl Zeiss Vision)
Zeiss Progressive Individual 2 (Carl Zeiss Vision)

My question is what are the real differences seen by users who have used more than one brand of lenses?
What brand lenses have you used? And which lens "grade" did you use? Specsavers name their grades "Standard", Premium" or "Elite", the one I tried was "Elite"

How bad is perifieral vision? How long did it take you to get used to them?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Much appreciated.

Health & Beauty Glasses

Comments

  • crentist on 06/02/2020 - 00:54

    Zenni Optical (or similar cheap online store). Cheap and decent. I suggest ordering (a few) trial frames with free lenses to make sure they fit okay, then add lenses. I haven't paid more than $100 for a pair of glasses in years, versus the usual $100 frame+$200 lens I always used to.
    That said, I end up ordering a new pair every year-ish. Maybe they scratch easier, or they are just so cheap that I don't put up with scratches like I used to.

    I threw some random prescription into a $6 frame and got this (cut out a few other options):

    $17.00 - 1.50 Bifocal(With A Line)
    $46.00 - 1.61 Bifocal(With A Line)

    $27.95 - 1.57 Digital Free Form Progressive (No-Line Multi-Focal)
    $55.00 - 1.61 Digital Free Form Progressive (No-Line Multi-Focal)
    $99.00 - 1.74 Digital Free Form Progressive (No-Line Multi-Focal)

  • [Deactivated] on 06/02/2020 - 09:48
    +2

    I have worn multies for quite some time. I think there is more to it than just the lens 'quality'.

    The transition point is important - too high or too low and it becomes a problem. Work out what works for you. apparently I like my transition a little lower than'normal' or whatever that is.

    If the outside world moves like a wave when you twist your head get the frames 'flattened'. this could be because the frames are too curved. Had this issue which was easily fixed when I enventually found someone who recognised the problem.

    I am guessing the 1.xx in crentists post is the refractive index. The higher the index the thinner the lens. This is generally only an issue for stronger prescriptions. There is usually a price jump at some point - last time I got lenses it was around the 1.6 mark. Ask the dispenser what the real difference in thickness will be with your prescription. In my case it is significant.

    I usually go the middle option for lenses. I seem to recall the difference was the amount of glare, when I last ordered from specsavers. specsavers uses different suppliers for the same 'grade' lenses. I know because my 'normal' lenses are a different supplier to my 'transition' lenses. I am quite happy with both.

  • Blue Suby on 06/02/2020 - 10:40
    +1

    Ive had progressive lenses for over 10 years now and current ones are Essilor Varilux. I found it took about a week to get used to them and much easier than having to hunt for glasses every time I need to read something. My husband has tried them about 3 times and just hates them! Our Optometrist has a deal where you try them for 3 months and if not happy will just change to single vision or bifocals for no extra charge. I have bought spares online and unless measured properly (eg pupillary distance) they have given me a distorted vision. I have bought cheap in trips to China/Hong kong at a fraction of cost, where they were made on the spot and they are perfect

  • MelbEng on 06/02/2020 - 13:13
    +1

    After being a Specsaver customer for all my single vision glasses, I made the decision to get various quotes from other optometrists for their best multifocal lens when the time came to upgrade a couple of years ago. I think mine are Hoya and I paid slightly more that your OPSM quote as I went to an independent optometrist.
    I am happy that I did as they are a large change from single vision. I spent the first few days being very aware of the angle of my head, so that I was looking through the correct section of the lens. But after a week it become second nature and you don't even realise that you are doing it. Now they feel totally normal. They are always being worn whilst I am awake, so I think they are worth the money.
    I wouldn't order online as they need to be not only made for your Pupillary Distance, but they need to be customised to where you are looking through the lens with the frames that you choose.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join