Updated on
Vision Center is funded by our readers. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links.
In this article
Trifocals are multifocal eyewear that offer different lens corrections. Visible lines divide the lens into three segments, including:
This type of multifocal glasses corrects eye conditions like presbyopia and cataracts.
The are two main types of trifocal lenses available, including:
Vision Center recommends progressive lenses from Warby Parker.
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
Also Great: Liingo
Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts
Trifocals can provide vision correction for some eye conditions, including:
Between the ages of 40 and 60, people's eyesight starts to deteriorate. The eye’s natural lens no longer retains flexibility and is unable to focus at near. This is known as presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.
Wearing trifocals can help correct blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches.
Aging or other factors like diabetes may lead to clouding of the eye’s lens, known as cataracts. When the lens is not clear, objects and surroundings may appear blurry, distorted, or less colorful.
However, a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) placed during cataract surgery can resolve cataracts. Implanting this artificial lens replacement may even lower the chances of needing glasses post surgery.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 30.1 million Americans aged 40 years and older are estimated to have at least a cataract in one eye.
Trifocal lenses offer both advantages and disadvantages. Some of those benefits include:
Some of the drawbacks include:
Trifocals and bifocal lenses are similar in that both types usually have lines to distinguish different ranges of vision. Bifocals correct distance vision problems in two segments (bottom half for reading and top half for far vision).
Trifocal lenses, however, offer three viewing zones for better overall sight.
Eye care professionals may recommend the usage of bifocals or other multifocal lenses to treat myopia in children. Previous studies have demonstrated the use of such lenses contributes to minimal reductions in myopia progression.
Trifocals have noticeable lines that run across lenses. This can lead to an “image jump.” This occurs when there is a sudden change in both clarity and the perceived position of an object in sight.
Progressive lenses do not have lines and are much more gradual from one prescription segment to the next. Also, because there are no lines, progressive lenses tend to have a more aesthetically-pleasing look than trifocals.
Progressive lenses are more expensive than trifocals. Progressive lenses provide better sight at different ranges of vision without any obstruction caused by lines.
Progressives take some time to get used to. No visible lines means no visual guidance for the eyes.
It will take time to learn to perform different tasks. Because of this, some may experience nausea or feel off balanced during the learning period.
Vision Center recommends progressive lenses from Warby Parker.
Multifocal contact lenses are available for those not interested in wearing trifocal eyeglasses regularly. It is important to speak with an eye care professional beforehand to determine if such contact lenses are the most suitable option.
As with any type of contact lenses, there is an increased risk of developing an eye infection.
Trifocal lenses are more expensive than average single-vision lenses. Costs of trifocals will vary according to an individual’s prescriptions and needs. For example, progressive lenses that offer three different vision ranges can amount to $260.
This price can be even higher with material customization and additional coatings like anti-scratch or anti-reflection.
If you are considering buying trifocal eyewear, it is important to consult your eye care specialist and learn more about the costs, benefits, and alternatives.
In this article
Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.
Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.
EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.
1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.
GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.
All Vision Center content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed optometrist to ensure the information is factual and meets industry standards.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from recent scientific research, scholarly articles, textbooks, government agencies, optometry websites, and medical journals.