Note: This is an update of a review I prepared three years ago. I recently purchased the Varilux X Fit and now include it in the comparison
As a progressive lens wearer for about 15 years I perform my due diligence every couple of years when it comes time to change my glasses after an eye exam. Sometimes the prescription change is small but I still can’t resist buying the new technology.Which typically is a high end lens. I hardly am a lens expert but I’ve done enough research and worn enough lenses to offer a semi learned opinion. Of course everyone is different and there is no ‘best’ lens. But I can at least offer my opinion on how they work for me.
My prescription involves a cylinder spec of -4.50 with an add of +2.50 (near sighted) . I need an all purpose lens and the greatest challenge is intermediate viewing for use with a computer. Which I spend plenty of time in front of.
My optometrist is a Varilux dispenser exclusively and being a previous owner of a pair of Physio Enhanced I wanted to try something else this time. It had been a good all purpose lens but there had been a slight change of prescription that lead me the newest best thing. Whatever that was to be.
I had good luck in the past with Zeiss lenses so I first tried an Individual 2 at another optometrist’s office. I did use Zeiss’s iTerminal in an attempt to get the perfect fit. I ordered a pair of 1.67 high index transition lenses with Purecoat for scratch resistance and anti-reflection. The lens depth was approximately 3.5 cm and 5.5 cm across.
As usual with the Zeiss, distance viewing was outstanding with a full lateral view of distance and visual acuity was similarly outstanding. I was also very satisfied with the reading area. It was full, clear with ample space to read text through the bottom of the lens.
Now the problem. Intermediate viewing. There wasn’t any to speak of. The lenses were double checked and height adjusted through manipulation of the nose pad. Still I had trouble finding an intermediate corridor at all. This simply wasn’t going to work and after a week, I gave up. I showed up at the dispenser and we agreed I was a non adapt and it was time to try something else. Intermediate range is very important for computer use and I needed something workable.
Rather than go back to my old Varilux I tried the S-Fit. Using the same frame and same lens specs. But instead of Purecoat I bought Avance. A great coating that keeps clean for at least a good year before more frequent cleaning is required.
At first I was not a happy camper with headaches the first couple of days and I couldn’t figure out why. Until I discovered that my lateral peripheral viewing was exceptional through these lenses. I tried to remember what single vision or uncorrected vision looked like but it had been so many years it was too difficult to imagine. But there it was. My eyes had to adjust to seeing laterally again with excellent acuity. While the Zeiss proved to be excellent peripherally in the distance, the Varilux was just as excellent for viewing things of a shorter distance but with great peripheral vision. And I had intermediate vision once again. Almost but not quite as good as the Physio Enhanced but very usable. The reading area was not quite as generous as the Zeiss but again, it is adequate. And most important I had all three visual segments working for me.
The wow factor is definitely peripheral vision with no swimming. Perhaps some geometric distortion at the edges but no other progressive I tried comes close in regards to clarity of vision.
Forexample, as an experiment, I recently looked straight ahead at a fixed object.Alight pole. Then turned myhead while keeping focus on the pole. Itremainedin focus. With other lenses the view turns blurry and unusable. The trade off is geometric distortion as the pole will bend to and fro as you are turning your head, clear but obviously distorted. Weird effect! Fortunately we typically don’t look at things that way (fixing our view to the periphery of the lens) and is a non-issue for all practical purposes.
Regarding anti reflection I believe the Avance betters the Purecoat but I could live happily with either.
I recommend the S-Fit. If you’re like me you’ll be turning your head less to keep things in focus. Justbe cognizant that headaches may occur the first few days as your eyes adjust to wider peripheral vision. It is not a recycled rebranded old lens. There is something quite different about them and the new technology used can be read with your typical Google search.
The X-Fit is the newest of Varilux’s line and shares a strong similarity with the S-Fit. If you are wearing the S-FIT now there should be no adjustment period.
There are two big changes here. The reading area is much larger than the S-Fit. And it seems to do so with minimal compromise. Secondly the mid range view is increased vertically along the lens. The distance view is excellent and now rivals the Zeiss. So how does it do all this? The only compromise I can find is the near vision while looking down is a bit distorted. While looking down and slicing bread the first time the sensation was odd. It’s like the view is further away than it should and near the center the effect is at its highest. Very hard to explain. But I would say the effect is not a deal breaker or significant to cause concern. To be clear, overall this is the best progressive I have owned. I owned the S-Fit for three years ago obviously that is saying something. There is definitely a family resemblance in the design of the two Varilux lenses. I do believe the last iteration is a better lens in my opinion though both are very good.
The X-Fit retains the same bending of vertical lines at the periphery of vision that the S-Fit has. Which I believe is a better trade off than blurry unfocused vision.
I know I have been effusive in my praise of the Varilux lenses but rest assured I am not an employee nor is this view a paid service.
See my review of the Escort 360 Max radar detector:
https://escort360.home.blog/
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FAQs
Better lens: ZEISS Progressive GT2
In the good, better, best framework, ZEISS GT2 is the mid-tier progressive lens option. The comparable Varilux product is the Varilux Physio W3+. ZEISS GT2 is the lens vendor's all-time best-selling semi-finished progressive lens.
What is Varilux X fit? ›
Varilux X Series lenses 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.”
Which is better Zeiss or Essilor? ›
ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block up to 40% of harmful blue light while Essilor Blue UV Capture is able to block at least 20%. ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block more harmful blue light as compared to Essilor Blue UV Capture.
Which Varilux lens is the best? ›
Varilux S Series lenses are the best, most advanced progressives on the market today. Varilux S Series provides all of the benefits of other Varilux lens designs while virtually eliminating the “off-balance” feeling sometimes experienced by progressive lens wearers.
Are Zeiss lens the best? ›
While there are many companies that manufacture lenses that are considered to be of excellent quality, Carl Zeiss is one of the few names that is well known throughout the world and has been associated with some of the best photographic lenses ever made.
Are Zeiss eye lenses worth it? ›
They are of premium quality and since vision is most important to any human being, I highly recommend that one should not think before nurturing them through expensive though great Carl Zeiss lenses. You will absolutely love them and never feel like taking these classy and elegant lenses off your face B-)
What is Varilux S series? ›
Varilux S Series offers the first line of digital progressive lenses that provides a real breakthrough in patient experience for both first-time and experienced progressive lens wearers.
How many types of Varilux lenses are there? ›
Varilux is available in three different styles to meet your lens preferences. While all options are developed with the same expert-level technology, each type offers its own set of perks.
What progressive lens has the widest reading area? ›
If you are looking for progressive reading glasses with a wider field of view in intermediate and near in your daily work, Visiflex advanced progressive lenses are the ones; as they are specially designed to provide wider reading area and comfortable intermediate for dynamic performance.
Why choose Zeiss lenses? ›
ZEISS PhotoFusion Lenses are extremely light-reactive, so it goes dark and fades back to light quickly. It also carries blue light and 100% UV protection, ensuring your eye's safety wherever you go.
With its higher resolution, this innovative lens made mobile photography possible. The Tessar lens allowed, for the first time, small film formats (nowadays sensors), which in turn helped make cameras themselves smaller, lighter and more portable. All compact camera lenses are based on that original invention!
What is the best Essilor progressive lens? ›
Varilux® X Series™, featuring Xtend™ Technology, is our most advanced progressive lens available. In addition to providing sharp vision and smooth transitions at any distance, it extends your vision within arm's reach, so you no longer have to tilt or angle your head to find your focus.
Which is better Zeiss or Crizal? ›
Both are equally Good. Essilor Crizal lenses are better than any other branded lenses available in market. Zeiss is known for their premium quality and precision optics.
Which frames are best for progressive lenses? ›
Progressive wearers should avoid aviators and cat-eyes because both can cut off the bottom portion of the prescription, resulting in a loss of reading vision. Instead, they should look for shorter frames with rounded edges such as horn-rimmed, retro wingtip, circular, and oval ones.
What brand of progressive lenses does Costco use? ›
Costco now accepts most vision insurance plans. *Independent Doctors of Optometry are located in or near most Costco locations in most states. Our Kirkland Signature HD progressive lenses use the latest in lens manufacturing technology to deliver high definition vision at any distance.
Are ZEISS lenses made in China? ›
Zeiss has two major production bases in China – one around Shanghai and Suzhou in the Yangtze River Delta, which mainly produce equipment, and the other in Guangzhou, which produces lenses, including the newly established production base of intraocular lenses.
Is ZEISS made in China? ›
Carl Zeiss IMT (Shanghai) Co., Ltd in China is a global production site manufacturing the ZEISS DuraMax, an entry-level shop floor scanning CMM, for worldwide distribution. The site also focuses on the manufacture of mid-class CMM systems as well as Horizontal-Arm CMMs for mainland China and Asia markets.
What is ZEISS Individual 2? ›
ZEISS Progressive Individual 2 lets you personalize the lenses using three unique design options, so each patient can have a balance of viewing zones that matches his or her needs. All three options provide great vision for all distances.
What lenses do Costco use? ›
YES. Not only does Costco perform “contact lens” eye exams, but they also sell them along with contact accessories. Top brands they sell include CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb, Kirkland Signature, and Alcon. The Kirkland Signature contact lenses are by far the best value, with savings up to 50% off.
Are ZEISS lenses scratch proof? ›
The hardest lens coating we've ever produced at ZEISS – and the best protection against scratches. This guarantees lasting visual comfort, outstanding visibility and makes your glasses last as long as possible.
Ground-view progressive lenses. Standard progressive lenses. Short corridor progressive lenses. Transition progressive lenses.
Is crizal the same as Varilux? ›
When they look for the best lenses, many ask, "Which is better, Varilux or Crizal?” To answer the question, it's important to understand the difference between these two products. In a nutshell, Varilux is a lens type, and Crizal is a brand of lens treatment.
What are Varilux Comfort 2 lenses? ›
essilor Varilux Comfort W2+ Varilux is the most recommended progressive lenses, Varilux Comfort W2+ progressive lenses offer smooth transitions from near, far and everything in between. Enjoy less strain for your head and neck, making reading and everyday wear more comfortable than ever.
What are Level 2 progressive lenses? ›
Premium Progressive Lenses
2 Vision is often clearer because these lenses are usually 100% digitally surfaced or ground. These lenses are designed by computer, with small changes to allow both eyes to work together. They often allow for the fact that you have a dominant eye.
What is the average cost of Varilux lenses? ›
Item ranges in price between $200 and $300. The refractive index of this lens is 1.53 which is concidered a Normal Index lens. Extra Durable lenses have a high tensil strength and come with a scratch resistant hard coating..
What brand of eyeglass lenses does Walmart use? ›
Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart | We use Essilor prescription lenses, the best brand for the sharpest vision.
Which brand of progressive lens is better? ›
With more than 700 million lenses sold worldwide, VARILUX® is the progressive lens brand that eye care professionals trust and recommend most.
Are more expensive progressive lenses better? ›
If the price is a factor, opt for standard progressive lenses. However, if you have a complicated prescription or need customized lenses, premium progressive lenses are the better option. Either way, the new glasses will help get your vision back on track.
Are bigger glasses better for progressives? ›
', the answer is yes. Here's why: Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.
What is ZEISS individual? ›
A Revolutionary Vision Solution
for Your Practice. Zeiss Individual® is available in the choices that both wearers and eyecare professionals prefer. These include thin and light lens materials, self-tinting lenses for healthy vision with 100% UVA and UVB blocking, polarized options, and wrap lens designs.
Every product we make is backed by an industry leading, limited lifetime, transferable warranty (www.zeiss.com/us/warranty). In addition to this warranty, ZEISS offers a 5-Year No-Fault Policy on select Victory and Conquest products.
How much does ZEISS lens cost? ›
₹3,327.00 Fulfilled FREE Delivery.
What does the T * coating in ZEISS lens mean? ›
The coatings were applied to reduce reflection, or in other words to increase transparancy of the glass beneath -- and so they were called "transparency optics", or "T-optics" for short. And so the t* brand hints at that original name -- a multi-layer coating made from multiple transparency optics coatings.
What companies use ZEISS lenses? ›
Zeiss has licensed its name or technology to various other companies including Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, Logitech and Alpa. The nature of the collaboration varies, from co-branding optics designed by another firm (e.g., Sony) to complete optical design and manufacturing (e.g., Hasselblad).
How can you tell if a lens is ZEISS? ›
How can I recognise a ZEISS branded lens. Before delivery, all ZEISS branded lenses are marked with the ZEISS Clarity quality seal, the Z-engraving trademark. In bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses, this trademark is positioned so that it is most likely still visible after glazing.
What is comparable to Varilux lenses? ›
Shamir Autograph III
The closest comparison in the Varilux product line is the Varilux Physio W3. Like the Varilux X Series, it features W.A.V.E. Technology in order to reduce distortions and blurriness. And SynchonEyes Technology gives wearers smooth transitions from near to far.
Are Varilux lenses glass or plastic? ›
Varilux Comfort now offers a high index lens made in the glass material. Glass lenses have many advantages, which includes better anti-scratch properties and superior visual acuity.
What are premium tiers progressive lenses? ›
Premium progressive lenses are designed to provide a wider and smoother view. They are highly customizable for your prescription, chosen frame, and eye anatomy. This means you'll have less visual distortions since they are custom-made for your eyes.
Are Essilor lenses worth the money? ›
This coating is designed to improve your vision and meet your lifestyle needs, allowing you to see near to far and everything in between. And all this from just £289. So in our opinion, we think that Essilor lenses are one of the best premium lenses around and lots of our customers think so too.
Should seniors wear progressive lenses? ›
These are usually recommended for individuals who lost their ability to naturally shift the focus of their eyes due to presbyopia and age. Progressive lenses. If you are over 40, your doctor may require you to wear progressive lenses, which are effective on bringing back your near and far visions.
Progressive lenses don't work well for computer screens because the intermediate part of the lens isn't wide enough to allow you to see the width of your monitor simply by moving your eyes. This forces you to move your head from side to side to see the entire screen.
Why are my progressive lenses blurry? ›
It's normal for your new eye prescription to seem blurry at first. Having blurry vision could also be a sign that your PD (pupillary distance) is off and that you need to return your progressive lenses.
Are Costco glasses cheaper than Walmart? ›
Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco.
What is so special about Varilux lenses? ›
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. It also examines the changes in pupil size as the eye focuses at different distances.
Which brand is good for progressive lenses? ›
Progressive lenses manufacturers
Some of them are Varilux (Essilor), Zeiss, Hoya, Indo or Rodenstock.
Is Zeiss better than Crizal? ›
Both are equally Good. Essilor Crizal lenses are better than any other branded lenses available in market. Zeiss is known for their premium quality and precision optics.
Are bigger frames better for progressive lenses? ›
Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.
How much should Varilux progressive lenses cost? ›
Item ranges in price between $200 and $300. Extra Durable lenses have a high tensil strength and come with a scratch resistant hard coating.
How much should good progressive lenses cost? ›
Progressive glasses: Between $250 and $700.
How much for progressive lenses at Costco? ›
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lenses at Costco?
| Lens Prices | Single Vision | Progressive |
|---|
| RX-able.com | $28/pair | $58/pair |
| Costco | $91/pair | $160/pair |
| *In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame. |
Dec 2, 2020
