Are you having trouble with up-close vision but your distance vision is unhindered? Bifocal reading glasses might just be the answer! We know that if you’re purchasing a pair of bifocals for the first time it can be difficult finding the answers you’re looking for. To assist you in finding the right pair of bifocals that fit your optical needs, we’ve provided answers to frequently asked questions, along with information on our Readers.com bifocals.

What Are Bifocal Readers?

Bifocals are lenses that have two focal points. At Readers.com, our bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

bifocal reading glasses guide

The unmagnified upper section of the bifocal lens helps you focus out in the distance while doing activities such as driving, watching tv, cooking, etc. On the bottom of the bifocal lens you will select your reading power, which helps you see up close while doing activities such as reading a book, looking at a map, sewing, or following a recipe.

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Doesn’t “Bifocal” Mean a Lens Has Two Focal Points?

It does! Although the top of the bifocal lens is clear (also known as “plano”), it allows you to see at a distance without magnification correction, giving the lens two focal points: the unmagnified upper lens and the lower bifocal insert portion.

What Are Bifocal Sunglasses?

Like our regular bifocal readers, bifocal sunglasses are unmagnified at the top, and have your reading power in the bottom portion of the lens. The bifocal power helps with seeing your speedometer, writing on a scorecard, reading a compass, etc.

If you are an avid fisher you will love how our polarized bifocal reading sunglasses, which allow you to see out into the water and also look down to bait your line or remove the prized fish you just caught.

As an added bonus, all of our reading sunglasses include UVA/UVB protection!

bifocal reading sunglasses guide

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Do You Carry No-Line or Executive Bifocals?

No, to be accurate, no-line bifocals do not exist. There are lenses called “progressives”, which we do not carry, and are commonly confused as no-line bifocals. These are different because they have multiple focal points and not just two.

Executive bifocals are lenses that have the bifocal power across the entire width of the bottom section of the lens, rather than the half moon (“flat top”) bifocals our readers have.

Can You Order a Power in the Top Portion of Bifocals?

Since our reading glasses are pre-manufactured and cannot be changed, it is not possible to order bifocals with a different magnification in the top and bottom of the lens.

Where Can I Buy Bifocal Readers?

Bifocal reading glasses can be found anywhere reading glasses are sold but may be harder to find than fully magnified lenses. At Readers.com, we carry 100+ styles of bifocal style reading glasses! In varying frame shapes, widths, and colors, there’s a style for everyone!

Still Have Questions?

Didn’t see your question answered above? We’d love to assist you! Contact our Customer Happiness team or give us a call at 1-800-210-3975 and we would be more than happy to help address any of your reading glasses needs.

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Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.