Multifocal glasses are prescribed to people who have more than one vision problem. Bifocals are the most popular form of multifocal lenses. Bifocals allow people to see things in the distance as well as close up. People who wear bifocals often have to wear their glasses all the time. Bifocals were invented in an effort to eliminate the need of purchasing two separate pairs of eyeglasses and switching back and forth as a person changed activities. More than half of the people who wear eyeglasses wear bifocals. Bifocals are prescribed for people with presbyopia which is a condition that usually begins in the 40’s and stems from the gradual loss of the natural flexibility of the lens inside the eye.
Another form of multifocal glasses is trifocals. Trifocals are eyeglasses that have lenses that can correct three forms of vision problems. These lenses correct near, distance, and intermediate vision problems. Trifocals are a popular type of eyeglasses for computer users, who may need clear vision at a distance, for reading, and for seeing the computer screen. These types of lenses are most often prescribed for people in their 50’s. Trifocals are most often used to treat advanced presbyopia, a natural progressive eye disease.
In the past, multifocal glasses were expensive, and many people who actually needed these types of lenses could not afford them. And, when they could afford them, they often found it distressing if the glasses got broken or were lost. Replacing the eyeglasses was not always in the budget, especially when they cost upwards of $200 per pair. Now, however, there is another alternative that allows people, no matter what their budget, the ability to purchase the eyeglasses they need for clearer vision.
If left untreated, vision problems can progress much more rapidly than when someone uses corrective lenses. Online retailers have provided a way for people to purchase affordable eyeglasses, including multifocal glasses, at a fraction of the cost of brick and mortar retail stores. The reason is simple: less overhead means savings projected onto the consumer. In many cases, the cost is only a fraction of what you would normally pay for a pair of glasses, which often results in allowing a person to order more than one pair of glasses so that should their glasses get broken or lost, they are not left in the dark. The Internet has given us many advantages, including allowing consumers to benefit from purchasing products from retailers that have less overhead, which means less markup from the wholesale price and more savings and options for the consumer.