You've tried multifocal glasses before and ended up with headaches, dizziness, or that weird feeling like the ground is moving when you walk down stairs. Sound familiar? The problem wasn't you β it was the fitting.
When multifocal glasses are done properly, most people adapt within days and wonder how they ever managed without them. When they're done poorly, they end up in a drawer collecting dust. Here's what you need to know about getting multifocal glasses that actually work:
- Proper multifocal fitting requires precise measurements, not just your prescription.
- Frame selection matters as much as lens quality.
- The fitting process should take 20-30 minutes.
- A qualified optometrist should take monocular pupillary distance and segment height measurements.
- Premium lens designs offer wider viewing zones and faster adaptation.
Why Proper Fitting Actually Matters
Multifocal lenses have three distinct zones: distance at the top, intermediate in the middle, and reading at the bottom. These zones need to align perfectly with how your eyes naturally move. Even a 2-3mm error in measurementscan make the difference between glasses you love and glasses that give you motion sickness.
The segment height (where the reading zone begins) needs to sit exactly at your lower eyelid level when you're looking straight ahead. Too high, and you'll see blur when driving. Too low, and you'll be tilting your head back to read your phone. Modern progressive lenses also need at least 10mm of distance vision above the fitting cross, or you won't have enough usable area for everyday activities.
Your pupillary distance needs to be measured for each eye separately (monocular PD), not just as a single measurement. Our eyes are rarely symmetrical, and using a basic ruler measurement instead of proper digital equipment is a common reason multifocals fail.
What to Look for in a Multifocal Provider
They take their time
A proper multifocal fitting involves:
- Asking about your daily activities and visual needs.
- Taking monocular PD measurements with digital equipment.
- Measuring segment height while you're wearing the frame.
- Checking vertex distance (how far the lens sits from your eye).
- Adjusting frame tilt and ensuring proper fit.
They discuss lens options
Not all progressive lenses are created equal. The best lens companies offer progressive lenses in good, better, best, and premium designs. Premium designs have wider reading zones and less peripheral distortion, which means faster adaptation and better vision. If someone only offers you the cheapest option without explaining the differences, that's a red flag.
They select the right frame
Frame height is crucial for progressive lenses. Tiny fashionable frames might look great, but they don't provide enough vertical space for the three vision zones to work properly. A qualified optometrist will steer you towards frames that suit both your face and your prescription needs.
They provide clear expectations
Most people adapt to multifocals within a few days to two weeks, but you should know what to expect during that period. Your optometrist should explain how to use different zones and what's normal versus what warrants a return visit.
Red Flags to Avoid
Walk away if:
- They rush through measurements in under 10 minutes.
- They use a basic ruler instead of digital measuring equipment.
- They don't mark the demo lenses to check fitting height.
- They don't ask about your daily activities or previous glasses experience.
- They can't explain the difference between lens options.
Buying multifocal glasses online without professional fitting is particularly risky. While you might save money upfront, online patients often rely on guesstimates or phone appsthat simply can't match the accuracy of an in-person fitting.
Get It Right the First Time
At City Optics, we've fitted thousands of multifocal wearers across Sydney and NSW, and we know exactly what separates a comfortable pair from a drawer-dweller. Our optometrists use digital measuring equipment, take the time to understand your visual needs, and offer premium lens options that make adaptation faster and easier.
We also back every multifocal fitting with comprehensive follow-up care. If something doesn't feel right during your adaptation period, we'll make the necessary adjustments or remakes, because getting it right matters more than getting it done quickly.