What are varifocals, and how are they different from bifocals?
Both provide more than one focal distance in one lens. Bifocals have a visible line dividing two zones; varifocals blend the zones gradually, so there is no line and the transition is smoother.
- Subject
- Glasses & contacts
- Topic
- Glasses
- Kind of question
- What is…
- Procedures
- Glasses
- Last reviewed
- 22 September 2026
In more detail
Varifocals take some adaptation, particularly for peripheral vision, and the amount varies between lens designs. That is worth knowing if the first pair feels wrong rather than assuming you will adjust.
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- EyeSmart: eye health information for the public
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Used for Cross-checking patient-facing explanations of non-refractive eye conditions; Describing what tests such as dilation and OCT involve.
Link checked 23 September 2026