Updated on October 9, 2024

4 min read

Are Adjustable Eyeglasses the Right Choice for Me?

Kelly Brown
Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Written by Kelly Brown
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.

Vision Center is funded by our readers. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links.

Are you tired of constantly switching between reading glasses and regular glasses? Adjustable glasses might be the perfect solution.

These eyewear options offer a versatile and affordable way to correct minor vision problems, especially for those with presbyopia. Let's discuss how adjustable glasses work, their features and benefits, and where to find the perfect pair.

What are Adjustable Glasses?

Adjustable glasses are a versatile and affordable solution to correcting minor vision problems. They can’t replace regular glasses, but they work well enough to make some activities much easier. 

Also known as variable focus glasses and adjustable focus reading glasses, adjustable glasses allow wearers to see near and far. They’re similar to other multifocal lenses (bifocals and trifocals) but less expensive and available without a prescription.

Glasses with adjustable focus lenses are especially convenient for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). They can correct other refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

How Do Adjustable Glasses Work?

Each lens on adjustable glasses has a membrane that moves outward or inward based on the amount of fluid it contains. The fluid comes from a small syringe in each arm of the glasses. Pumping fluid in or out of the lens changes its refractive power.

Pumping fluid in increases its power allowing it to correct farsightedness. Meanwhile, pumping fluid out decreases the lens power for clearer distance vision which helps correct nearsightedness.

Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts

Best Overall: Warby Parker

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Also Great: Liingo

Best Place to Buy Contacts: Discount Contacts

What are the Features of Adjustable Glasses?

Adjustable eyeglasses use innovative technologies to provide personalized vision correction. One common approach uses lenses that contain a special fluid that can be manipulated by turning a small dial on the frame.

Turning the dial changes the shape of the lens, adjusting its power to match your visual needs. Another approach uses sliding lens technology, which uses two sliding lenses to alter the overall power of the glasses. 

What are the Pros & Cons of Adjustable Glasses?

Adjustable glasses provide a level of customization that isn’t possible with regular glasses. You can fine-tune it for different tasks, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses, which can be great for people with presbyopia.

However, they’re not without limitations. We listed down some of the pros & cons of adjustable glasses:

ProsCons
Affordable and convenientBulkier than traditional frames
No need for a prescription or eye examNot as precise as most prescription glasses
DurableIt can be difficult to adjust
Reduces eye strain and fatigueEasily scratched
Most brands offer magnification and blue-light filtering capabilitiesNot suitable for people with complex prescriptions 

How Much Do Adjustable Glasses Cost?

You might be surprised to learn that adjustable glasses can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. In some cases, adjustable glasses can cost less than traditional prescription glasses.

The average cost of adjustable glasses is about $25. Some brands offer adjustable eyewear for less than $5 a pair.

Where to Buy Adjustable Glasses

Several brands offer adjustable eyeglasses. Here is a table of our favorites and their features:

Brand Features
Dial VisionThere are dials on both arms for individual lens adjustment, available without a prescription. It’s more affordable than traditional prescription lenses.
EyejustersGlasses change focus with the simple twist of a dial. The dial on each side provides individualized focusing power and is discreetly hidden. Vision correction ranges from +0.50 to +4.00. It has durable, scratch-resistant lenses, and unisex glasses are available in various colors, designs, and materials.
Global VisionAffordable glasses cost about $5 to $20, and they’re functional and stylish.
AdlensIt has a compound lens system, anti-reflective coating, and vision correction ranging from -4.00 to +5.00. It allows you to focus at any distance with one pair of glasses.
Flex VisionIt has focus control, revolutionary dual lens technology, and is made of acrylic. The style is suitable for both men and women, lightweight and comfortable to wear with vision correction ranging from -6 diopters for nearsightedness to +3 diopters for farsightedness.

Adjustable glasses offer a convenient and affordable solution for those seeking versatile vision correction. If you're tired of juggling multiple pairs of glasses, adjustable glasses might be the perfect fit. We highly recommend consulting your doctor and exploring the various brands and styles available on the market.

Warby Parker logo
BEST OVERALL

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

Shop Now
Liingo Eyewear logo
ALSO GREAT

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

Shop Now
EyeBuyDirect logo
BEST ON A BUDGET

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

Shop Now
Discount Contacts logo
BEST OVERALL

Discount Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

Shop Now
GlassesUSA logo
ALSO GREAT

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

Shop Now
6 sources cited

Updated on October 9, 2024

2.
β€œNearsightedness.” Mayo Clinic, 2022.
3.
Heingartner, D. β€œBetter Vision for the World, on a Budget.” The New York Times, 2010.
4.
Turbot, D. β€œNearsightedness: What Is Myopia?” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022.
5.
Boyd, K. β€œWhat Is Presbyopia?” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022.
6.
Galvin, J. β€œSelf-refraction with adjustable-focus spectacles may help correct refractive errors.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2023.

About Our Contributors

Kelly Brown
Author

Kelly Brown, a content writer for Vision Center, is dedicated to sharing vital information to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their vision health. Her writing covers a range of topics, from selecting the best eye doctor to addressing health issues impacting vision, with the aim of educating readers through informative and engaging content.

Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer with a passion for educating people about eye health. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and writing skills, Dr. Huang seeks to guide individuals towards healthier and happier lives. Her interests extend to Eastern medicine and integrative healthcare approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new skincare products, experimenting with food recipes, and spending time with her adopted cats.