How to Choose Bifocal Glasses

While it may seem challenging, picking out bifocals can be a fun and interesting process. Most people start wearing bifocals -- lenses that correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness -- around or after age 40 (See Reference 1). Choices in types of lenses formerly were limited, but today you can select from a wide range of bifocals that do many things to help you see better. You may want to choose more than one pair of eyeglasses, depending on how you use them.

Instructions

• 1

  Select your frame, if you intend to buy a new one. If you are having lenses made for your most current pair of glasses, be sure to take them with you to order your new bifocal lenses from your eye care practitioner.

• 2

  Discuss with your optician how you will wear your glasses. Different bifocals and lens types are used for specific purposes; to see at certain distances. A bifocal usually has a lens segment, or "seg," at the bottom of the lens that can be made in different shapes. "Flat-top" or standard segs are shaped like inverted half moons, round segs are rounded and executive-style segs cover the entire bottom of the lens.

• 3

  Select a standard bifocal with a line for normal reading purposes. The standard flat-top comes in different widths, usually 25 millimeters, 28 millimeters or 35 millimeters. The flat-top seg has a line across the top that you look through as you change from the distance to the reading power.

• 4

  Choose smaller, round-segment bifocals if you do very little reading or close work. Although not as common as they used to be, round-seg bifocals work well for people who work outdoors or have jobs that requires very little reading. It sits in the bottom of the frame and allows you to use most of your peripheral vision for distance. (See Reference 3)

• 5

  If it suits your activities, pick a specialty bifocal lens. People who have occupations that require them to read while looking up, like pharmacists and plumbers, can benefit by using lenses called "double-Ds" that have bifocals at the bottom and top. Double-Ds are available as both bifocals and a trifocals.

  Golfers and other sports enthusiasts choose a lens that has the bifocal off to the side and small, so the biggest portion of the lens is for distance and the bifocal is out of the way.