Bifocal glasses: new bifocal lenses in your frame
The price includes 1 pair of lenses (right eye + left eye)
Replacing bifocal lenses at Lens4Glasses.com costs from €119 a pair, with distinct distance and near zones, fitting by registered opticians, and delivery in 5–10 business days, keeping your own frame.
Bifocal lenses have two defined prescription zones (far on top, near below) separated by a visible line, a classic and economical alternative to the progressive.
Need a frame too? We offer complete progressive glasses: frame and lenses made to your prescription, for €129.
Replace your bifocal lenses
Bifocal lenses with two zones (far and near) in a single lens. A registered optician reviews every order.
- Straight-top Bifocal (FT28) and Curved (Blended)
- Indices 1.5 · 1.6 · 1.67
- Reading-zone centring guarantee
Bifocal lenses: maximum visual stability for far and near
Bifocal lenses have for decades answered a specific need: seeing sharply at two distances —far and near— with the widest, most stable field of view, no blurry zones at the sides, no movement when walking and a very short adaptation period.
If you've worn bifocals for years and want to renew them keeping your current frame, or you've struggled to adapt to another lens type, you've come to the right place. You can buy bifocal lenses online and we make them in the leading European labs with the same materials as a top optician's, paying only for the lenses and without leaving home.
Which type of bifocal do you need?
We offer both formats on the market. Both, in all our indices, treatments and prescriptions.
| Type | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-top Bifocal (FT28) | The near zone has a straight, horizontal top edge. The zone transition is clear and predictable. | Previous bifocal experience and priority on a wide near field. The most economical option. |
| Curved Bifocal (Blended) | The distance-near transition is blended with a soft curve. The line is almost imperceptible. | Those seeking aesthetic discretion for social and professional use without giving up the bifocal. |
Refractive indices: thin lenses for every prescription
The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens. Key if you have a high prescription and want aesthetic bifocals.
| Index | Thickness | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 (Standard) | Standard | Low prescriptions (up to ±2 dioptres). The most affordable option. |
| 1.6 (Thin) | ~20% thinner | Medium prescriptions. Ideal in metal or rimless frames. |
| 1.67 (Super thin) | ~35% thinner | High myopia or hyperopia. Much thinner and lighter lens. |
Bifocal glasses price: new lenses fitted into your frame
Prices are per pair (right + left lens), VAT included, fitted into your own frame. The price mainly depends on the index (lens thickness) and on whether you want an anti-reflective coating. These are the prices for a flat-top bifocal (FT28) in a full-rim frame, exactly as the configurator calculates them:
| Index | Recommended for | Clear lenses (no anti-reflective) | With anti-reflective & hardening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 · Standard | Low prescriptions (up to ±2) | €119 | €159 |
| 1.6 · Thin | Medium prescriptions (±2 to ±4) | €219 | €259 |
| 1.67 · Very thin | High prescriptions (±4 to ±6) | €319 | €359 |
Supplements
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Blended (curved) bifocal, with a more discreet line | +€10 |
| Semi-rimless frame | No extra charge |
| Rimless frame | +€30 |
With semi-rimless or rimless frames the 1.5 index is not available: the minimum is 1.6.
Prices per pair, VAT included. The configurator shows the total at every step, before you pay.
What the price includes
- Both bifocal lenses, made to your distance and near prescription
- Prescription check by registered optometrists
- Reading-segment height calculation and fitting into your frame
- Final price shown before you pay
Available treatments
- Clear lenses (included in the price): transparent, without anti-reflective coating.
- Anti-reflective & hardening (+€40): reduces glare from screens, TV and headlights and makes the lenses more scratch-resistant.
- Photochromic, tinted or polarised? These cannot be chosen in the configurator. Message us on WhatsApp before ordering and we will tell you whether it is possible with your prescription and what it costs.
Centring guarantee
We calculate the exact height of the reading zone from the imprint of your current lenses. If it doesn't match your pupil position, we correct it at no cost.
Ask on WhatsAppHow to replace your bifocal lenses step by step
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Configure your order | Choose type (Straight-top or Curved), index and treatments, and tell us how you'll send your prescription. |
| 2. We pick up your frame | You send it to us from a collection point (home pickup only in Spain and Portugal). |
| 3. Manufacturing by registered opticians | Our opticians check the prescription, calculate the centring of the reading zone and edge to your frame's profile. |
| 4. Delivery to your home | You receive your glasses with the new bifocal lenses in 5-10 business days. |
Bifocals vs. progressives: when is the bifocal better?
There is no objectively better lens, just the right one for each profile. An honest comparison:
| Criterion | Bifocal | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Focus zones | 2 (distance and near). No intermediate zone. | 3 (distance, intermediate and near). |
| Adaptation | Quick (days). | Longer (7-21 days). |
| Lateral aberrations | None. Distance field with no distortion. | Present at the edges. |
| Aesthetics | Visible line (can be softened with Blended). | No lines. |
| Computer screen | Not recommended (no intermediate zone). | Yes, it covers screen distance. |
| Extended reading | Excellent. Very wide near zone. | Good, smaller near zone. |
If your main activity is reading on paper, watching TV, sewing, or you've worn bifocals for years with no adaptation problems, the bifocal is your lens.
Looking to cover computer distance too?
Bifocal lenses have no intermediate zone. If you spend many hours in front of the monitor, you may find that progressive lenses cover all three distances in a single lens and adapt better to your day-to-day.
Want your bifocals as sunglasses?
See also our range of tinted or polarised sun lenses to pair them with your favourite frame.
Bifocal glasses: what they are and how they work
Bifocal glasses have two prescriptions in the same lens: distance vision at the top and near vision in a segment at the bottom. You look straight ahead to drive or watch TV, and lower your eyes to read. No need to switch glasses.
Your near prescription is your distance prescription plus the addition (ADD), the value your optician adds to your prescription when presbyopia appears, usually after the age of 40. At Lens4Glasses we replace the bifocal lenses in your current glasses: you send us your frame, we make the lenses to your prescription and send it back with the new lenses fitted.
Who are bifocal lenses for?
They are still a great choice if:
- You have worn bifocals for years and feel comfortable with them.
- You tried progressives and could not get used to the blurry areas at the sides.
- You spend a lot of time reading, sewing or doing close-up handwork and want a wide near field.
- You rarely use a computer. Bifocals have no intermediate zone for screens.
Bifocals, progressives, occupational lenses or reading glasses
All four correct presbyopia, but they do different jobs:
- Bifocals: distance and near, with a line between the two zones. Short adaptation.
- Progressive lenses: distance, intermediate and near with no visible line. More versatile, with a little more adaptation.
- Occupational lenses: screen and near, for office work. Not suitable for driving.
- Single vision reading lenses: for reading only. You have to take them off to look into the distance.
If you are torn between the first two, we explain it with examples in progressive and bifocal lenses: differences and how to choose.
What we need to make your bifocal lenses
- Your prescription, including the addition. You can upload a photo or PDF, type the values into the configurator or send it by email.
- A photo of you wearing the frame. We use it to measure the optical centres and place the near segment at the right height.
- Your frame. It needs enough rim height to fit both zones. If it is too narrow, we will let you know before making the lenses.
If you already wear bifocals, we also use the segment height of your old lenses as a reference, so the change feels natural.
Bifocal lenses price: what affects it
The price is per pair (right and left eye), with the lenses fitted in your own frame. Bifocal lenses cost from €119 a pair: straight-top bifocal, standard 1.5 index and clear lenses. With anti-reflective and hard coating, from €159. The total goes up if you choose the curved bifocal, a thinner index or a rimless frame. The configurator shows you the total at every step, before you pay.
Return shipping is free on orders over €50. Collection is free in mainland Spain and Portugal; elsewhere its cost is shown in the basket before you pay. To compare with other lens types, read how much it costs to replace glasses lenses.
Tips for getting used to your new bifocal glasses
- Lower your eyes, not your head, to read through the near segment.
- On stairs and kerbs, tilt your head slightly and look through the distance zone. Through the near zone the ground looks blurry.
- Wear them all day for the first few days, without switching back to your old glasses.
- If after a few days the reading zone does not feel right, get in touch and we will check the centring.
Any questions about your bifocal lenses?
Send us your prescription, a photo of your frame or any question. We'll help you choose the best option.
Write via WhatsAppReplacing the bifocal lenses in your glasses costs from €119 per pair: flat-top bifocal, 1.5 index and clear lenses, fitted into your frame. With anti-reflective coating and hardening, from €159. If you need thinner lenses, the 1.6 index starts at €219 and the 1.67 at €319. A blended (curved) bifocal adds €10 and a rimless frame €30. All prices are per pair and include VAT.
No. With semi-rimless or rimless frames the minimum index is 1.6: from €219 per pair for semi-rimless and from €249 for rimless (flat-top bifocal, clear lenses).
They are lenses with two distinct prescription zones in the same lens, without changing glasses. The upper part is calibrated for distance vision (driving, television) and the lower part contains a segment with the near prescription for reading or using the phone. Switching between the two zones is immediate: the brain quickly learns to direct the gaze to the right zone depending on the distance.
The difference lies in the number of zones and the transition. Bifocals have two distances (far and near) with a predictable change, with no intermediate zone for screens. Progressives have three distances with a gradual, line-free transition, but with blur at the edges that requires adaptation. The bifocal is the more stable option with the fastest adaptation.
For three profiles: people who have worn bifocals for years and do not want to change their visual habit, users who have not adapted to progressives, and people with activities that require a wide, stable near field (prolonged reading, sewing, crafts). Also among those fond of outdoor activities that combine distance vision with close reading.
The 100% invisible bifocal does not exist: there is always a transition. However, the Blended Curved Bifocal format dramatically reduces the visibility of that line with a curve that integrates it aesthetically. At conversation distance it is practically imperceptible.
If you already wear bifocals, adaptation is usually almost immediate: between 1 and 3 days. If it is the first time, it is usually 3 to 7 days, while the eye learns to lower only the gaze (not the head) towards the near zone. It is much faster than adapting to progressives.
Not necessarily. We offer 1.6 (~20% thinner) and 1.67 (~35% thinner) indexes. For high prescriptions, 1.67 produces a much thinner and lighter lens that fits most frames. Our opticians assess your prescription and confirm the most suitable index.
In the configurator you can choose clear lenses or lenses with anti-reflective coating and hardening. If you want them photochromic, tinted or polarised, message us on WhatsApp before you order and we will confirm whether it is possible with your prescription and the price.
Yes, it is our main service. We collect your glasses, check that the frame has the necessary rim height (usually 25-28 mm for an FT28), calculate the height of the near segment based on your previous lenses and pupillary position, and edge the new lenses to the contour of your frame.
Yes: a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects. And with our 7-day satisfaction guarantee, if the lenses you receive do not match the prescription you gave us, we make them again at no cost for the product (once, with shipping at your expense).
The FT28 (Flat Top 28) has the upper edge of the near zone straight and horizontal: it is the classic format, with the widest near field. The curved one (Blended) softens that edge with a curve that blurs the transition; the aesthetic result is superior, with a slightly smaller near field at the extremes. Optically, both perform the same.
Lens4Glasses vs. physical opticians
The same optical quality and fitting by registered opticians, paying only for the lenses and without leaving home.
| Lens4Glasses | Physical optician's | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | You only pay for the lenses | Frame + lenses |
| You keep your frame | Yes | Sometimes |
| Frame collection | Yes, from €6.99 | No |
| Manufacturing warranty | 3 years | Varies |
| Registered optician-optometrist | Yes | Yes |
| You have to travel | No | Yes |
Can lenses be fitted in any frame?
In most cases yes, as long as the frame is in good condition and allows prescription lenses to be fitted correctly.
- Closed acetate or plastic frames
- Metal frames
- Semi-rimless frames
- Rimless frames
- Glazable sunglasses
- Some sports or curved glasses
- Some Oakley frames and acetate glasses
Not sure if your frame works?
Some very curved, old, fragile or shield-type frames need prior review.
Send us a photo before ordering and we'll tell you if it's suitable.
Ask on WhatsAppCan your frame take new lenses?
Answer 2 quick questions and we'll tell you instantly.
You can replace the lenses without changing your glasses. Configure your lenses and we take care of the rest.
Configure my lensesOne-piece shield or mask-type frames require a special solution. Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll tell you if it's suitable.
Ask on WhatsAppOther lens replacement solutions
Renew your bifocal lenses from 119 €
Straight-top (FT28) or Curved (Blended), in your own frame. Configure online and send us your glasses.
Configure my lensesFlat-top FT28 · Blended · 1.5 · 1.6 · 1.67 indexes · Optional anti-reflective