Key Takeaways
- Varilux® progressive lenses are special eyeglass lenses for correcting presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Varilux lenses come in 3 sub-brands: Varilux X, Varilux Comfort Max, and Varilux W3+.
- They enable a seamless transition from one prescription strength to another, enabling clear vision at any distance.
- Varilux lenses eliminate the distracting middle line and visual distortions associated with bifocals.
- Although Varilux costs more than other brands, your vision insurance may cover some costs.
Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
Also Great: Liingo
Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts
What are Varilux® Progressive Lenses?
Varilux® progressive lenses are special eyeglass lenses for correcting presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).1
A presbyopic person may need to hold reading material further away to see clearly. They may also experience blurred vision or eye strain at normal reading distance. These symptoms may worsen in low-light conditions.
Varilux lenses are designed to:
- Provide sharp vision at all distances
- Provide clear vision in dimly lit environments
- Eliminate off-balance feelings
The lenses accomplish this by transitioning seamlessly from one prescription strength to the next.
According to the manufacturer, Essilor International, Varilux is the #1 progressive lens recommended by optometrists and opticians.2 Current designs accommodate enhancements such as transitions, Crizal anti-glare coatings, and UV protection to help you achieve the most natural vision possible.
Types of Varilux Lenses
Varilux lenses come in three distinct designs made using the same patented technology.3
Varilux® X Series™
The Varilux X series is the most advanced progressive lens. It uses Xtend® technology to provide smooth transitions and sharp vision at different focal strengths and distances. It also features Nanoptix™ Technology which helps eliminate the “off-balance” feeling common with progressive lenses.
Varilux Comfort Max
Varilux Comfort Max provides clear vision at all distances and in dimly lit places. It features Flex Optim™ Technology which expands the useful vision zone by up to 46%, enabling optimized vision from multiple angles (20/Happy vision).4
The 20/Happy vision approach focuses on more than just normal resolution by considering additional factors such as contrast, binocularity, and distortion to provide a clearer and more enjoyable visual experience.
Varilux® Physio® W3+
Varilux Physio W3+ offers similar benefits to Varilux Comfort Max with an added advantage of SynchronEyes™ technology.
According to Essilor experts, synchronEyes™ enables your eyes to function together more effectively by promoting a smooth transition between near and far vision.
Pros and Cons of Varilux Lenses
Like other lens types, Varilux lenses also have their benefits and downsides.
Pros
- No visible line on the lens
- Clear vision, regardless of distance, frame size, or shape
- High-resolution vision in all lighting conditions
- Comfortable and convenient in all tasks
- Safe when doing tasks like driving
Cons
- Some people take time to adjust to different lens powers
- More expensive than standard progressives
- Slight amount of peripheral distortion (swim effect)
The mild side effects should diminish quickly as your eyes adapt. Experts recommend wearing your glasses all day to help your eyes adapt.
If your eyes still feel uncomfortable after two to three weeks, consult your eye doctor.
How Do Varilux Lenses Work?
Users commonly report peripheral distortions with ordinary progressive lenses. The distortions result from changes in curvature across the lens surface. Since its inception in 1959 by engineer Bernard Maitenaz, Varilux technology has expanded to accommodate the needs of every presbyope.
Today, only Varilux progressive lenses enable constant clear vision by adjusting prescription based on distance and lighting conditions. They are designed using Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement (WAVE) Technology 2™.5
This technology enables eyeglass designers to do the following:
- Identify distortions as light passes through the lens
- Examine pupil size changes as the eye looks at different distances
- Customize each lens based on individual eye prescription and behavior
Who Benefits From Varilux Lenses?
Varilux includes multiple prescriptions in a single lens, perfect for far, intermediate, and near vision. They’re especially perfect for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
Presbyopia affects people in their mid-40s and may worsen up until age 65. This is because aging makes the crystalline lens lose flexibility.6 The rigidity of the lens affects how light is focused on the retina, resulting in poor near vision, especially in low-light conditions.
Presbyopic individuals can use single-vision reading glasses to enhance their vision. However, if they also have a problem with distance vision, Varilux lenses offer the best solution for multi-distance vision.
Varilux vs. Bifocal Lenses: Which is Right for You?
Varilux lenses stand out from bifocals and ordinary progressives because they meet the highest standards of natural vision. They enable you to drive and perform computer work and other close activities with a single pair of glasses.
Although bifocals can effectively correct near and distant vision, their limitations cannot be overlooked—they cannot focus clearly on mid-distanced objects and have a distracting middle line separating the two focal strengths.7
The line forces users to constantly adjust their head position to focus their eyes on the correct lens. In many cases, users experience blurry vision and a feeling of imbalance.
On the contrary, Varilux lenses have no distracting line. The lens is designed with different technologies and eliminates all the disadvantages of bifocals, offering users a seamless transition between distances and lighting conditions. You can use your eyes naturally without needing to tilt your head.
Varilux Lenses Costs and Insurance
The cost of Varilux lenses depends on the following:
- The type of lens; the X series costs the most
- Your prescription
- The brand and size of frame you choose
- Your eyeglass provider
The average cost of Varilux 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. You may also incur shipping fees if you purchase online.
Insurance
Your eye insurance should cover the cost of your eye exam and prescription eyeglasses. However, there may be limitations based on your insurance policy.
For example, only comprehensive coverage may include enhancements such as anti-glare coating and photochromic technology on your lenses.
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), the funds can cover expenses excluded from your vision insurance.8 Talk to your eye doctor and insurance company to get the exact cost of your Varilux prescription.
Where to Buy Varilux Lenses
Most local eye care practitioners can install Varilux lenses into any frames you choose. They can also enhance your lens with Crizal anti-glare coating and UV-resistant treatment.
Consult your eye doctor first to understand the full scope of your options. They will examine your vision and recommend the perfect Varilux lenses.
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As an eyewear expert with a deep understanding of optical technology and advancements, I can attest to the significance of Varilux® progressive lenses in addressing presbyopia, particularly age-related farsightedness. My expertise stems from an in-depth knowledge of optical science, lens design, and the practical application of various eyeglass technologies.
Varilux® Progressive Lenses: A Comprehensive Overview
Varilux lenses are crafted to correct presbyopia, a condition commonly experienced by individuals in their mid-40s and older, characterized by difficulty focusing on near objects. The lenses excel in providing sharp vision at all distances, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses for different tasks.
Sub-Brands of Varilux Lenses:
-
Varilux X Series™: Utilizing Xtend® technology, this advanced progressive lens offers smooth transitions and sharp vision across various focal strengths. Nanoptix™ Technology contributes to eliminating the "off-balance" feeling often associated with progressive lenses.
-
Varilux Comfort Max: Featuring Flex Optim™ Technology, Comfort Max expands the useful vision zone by up to 46%, ensuring clear vision at all distances, including dimly lit environments. The 20/Happy vision approach considers factors like contrast and binocularity for an enhanced visual experience.
-
Varilux Physio W3+: Building on the benefits of Comfort Max, Physio W3+ introduces SynchronEyes™ technology, promoting effective coordination between near and far vision.
Pros and Cons of Varilux Lenses:
Pros:
- No visible line on the lens.
- Clear vision at any distance, frame size, or shape.
- High-resolution vision in all lighting conditions.
- Comfortable and convenient for all tasks.
- Safe for activities like driving.
Cons:
- Some individuals may require time to adjust to different lens powers.
- Higher cost compared to standard progressives.
- Slight peripheral distortion (swim effect), which typically diminishes with adaptation.
How Varilux Lenses Work:
Varilux lenses utilize Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement (WAVE) Technology 2™. This innovative technology identifies distortions as light passes through the lens, examines pupil size changes at different distances, and customizes each lens based on individual eye prescription and behavior. This ensures constant clear vision by adjusting the prescription according to distance and lighting conditions.
Who Benefits From Varilux Lenses:
Varilux lenses cater to individuals with presbyopia, offering a seamless solution for multi-distance vision. Presbyopia results from the loss of flexibility in the crystalline lens, leading to poor near vision, especially in low-light conditions. Varilux lenses provide a comprehensive solution, incorporating multiple prescriptions in a single lens for far, intermediate, and near vision.
Varilux vs. Bifocal Lenses: Which is Right for You:
Varilux lenses outshine bifocals by meeting the highest standards of natural vision. While bifocals address near and distant vision, they come with limitations such as a distracting middle line and challenges focusing on mid-distanced objects. Varilux lenses eliminate these drawbacks, offering a seamless transition between distances and lighting conditions.
Varilux Lenses Costs and Insurance:
The cost of Varilux lenses varies based on factors like lens type, prescription, frame choice, and eyeglass provider. On average, Varilux lenses range from $129 to over $400. Vision insurance may cover some costs, and additional expenses may include coatings for glare reduction and blue light protection.
Where to Buy Varilux Lenses:
Local eye care practitioners can install Varilux lenses into chosen frames, enhancing them with coatings like Crizal anti-glare and UV-resistant treatment. Options for online purchases include reputable retailers like Warby Parker, EyeBuyDirect, and Liingo.
In conclusion, Varilux progressive lenses represent a pinnacle in optical technology, providing a comprehensive solution for presbyopia with cutting-edge designs and technologies.
