Varilux is the progressive lens brand of Essilor, the company that invented the progressive lens in 1959. At Lens4Glasses we work with four Varilux ranges: Varilux Liberty 3.0, Varilux Comfort Max, Varilux Physio extensee and Varilux XR series. They differ in how wide the fields of vision are, how stable your vision feels when you move, and in price. We fit them in your own frame, so you keep the glasses you love and only replace the lenses, for much less than buying the same Varilux lenses at a traditional optician.
If you are thinking about progressive glasses, our guide to progressive lenses explains what they are, the types available, what they cost and how to get used to them.
| Range | Who it is for | Main strength |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty 3.0 | Your first progressive lens, or a tighter budget | Quick adaptation and stable everyday vision |
| Comfort Max | Driving, screens and reading every day | Wider comfort zone and easier switching between distances |
| Physio extensee | Wide, natural vision and lots of computer work | The widest intermediate vision and the smoothest transitions |
| XR series | The most advanced range, for an active life | Instantly sharp vision that stays stable in motion |
Every range is supplied as a pair (right and left eye), fitted in your own frame, with 1.5 index and Crizal Prevencia anti-reflective coating as standard.
See prices and configure my Varilux lenses →
The Varilux ranges, one by one
Varilux Liberty 3.0
This is the entry point to Varilux: a progressive lens that is quick to adapt to, with comfortable, stable vision for everyday life. It is a good fit if this is your first pair of progressives or if you want the most affordable Varilux range. You still get a genuine Varilux design from Essilor, with the same coating and fitting as the higher ranges.
Varilux Comfort Max
Comfort Max widens the comfort zone and the field of vision, and reduces the effort of switching from one distance to another. It is designed for people who combine driving, screens and reading every day and want their eyes to feel relaxed from morning to night.
Varilux Physio extensee
This is the premium range: the smoothest transitions and the widest, most natural vision, with special attention to intermediate distance (the computer, the car dashboard, everyday life at arm’s length). It is the range we usually recommend to people who spend many hours in front of a screen.
Varilux XR series
This is the newest and most advanced Varilux range. Essilor designs it using artificial intelligence based on real visual behaviour, to give you instantly sharp vision that stays more stable when you move. It is designed for an active life, with your eyes always on the move.
Has your optician recommended a different Varilux or Essilor lens (X series, Physio 3.0…)? Ask us before ordering and we will confirm whether we can supply it and on what terms.
What is included with your Varilux lenses
All our Varilux lenses are sold as a pair and fitted in your own frame. They include the Crizal Prevencia anti-reflective coating, fitting by qualified opticians and optometrists, and Essilor’s authenticity engraving. The price you see in the configurator already includes VAT where applicable.
| Range | Design level | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty 3.0 | Entry level | First progressive, everyday use |
| Comfort Max | Mid-range | Driving, screens and reading |
| Physio extensee | Premium | Long hours of computer work |
| XR series | Top of the range | Active life, vision in motion |
Compared with buying the same Varilux lens (same index and coating) at a traditional optician, replacing the lenses in your own frame with us costs considerably less. You can see the exact price of each range in the configurator.
Optional extras
| Extra | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Crizal Sapphire HR | Premium anti-reflective coating for maximum transparency |
| Eye Protect System | Blue light filter built into the lens (clear lenses) |
| Green, grey or brown sun tints | Turn your Varilux into prescription sunglasses (gradient tints also available) |
| Polarized lenses | Removes glare from roads, water and snow |
| Crizal Sun | Anti-reflective coating designed for sun lenses |
| Photochromic lenses | Lenses that darken outdoors and clear indoors |
| 1.6 index | Thinner lens |
| 1.67 index | Very thin lens, for strong prescriptions |
| Rimless frame fitting | Drilled fitting for rimless frames |
For rimless and semi-rimless frames, the minimum index is 1.6, because the lens has to be strong enough to be drilled or grooved without chipping. The configurator adds up each option as you go, and you see the final price before you pay.
Which Varilux range should I choose?
- First progressive lens or a tighter budget: Liberty 3.0.
- Driving, computer and reading every day: Comfort Max.
- Many hours of screen time and you want the widest intermediate vision: Physio extensee.
- An active life and you want Essilor’s most advanced range: XR series.
If you already wear Varilux and are happy with them, the simplest option is to stay with the same range. If you are not sure, write to us with your prescription and our opticians and optometrists will advise you before you order.
Second pair offer
If you want a second pair of lenses, ask us about our second pair offer. If it is identical to the first, select it in the “Second pair” step of the configurator and the discount is applied automatically, based on the first pair with the extras you have chosen.
The second pair can also be different: prescription sunglasses, occupational lenses, single vision lenses or another Varilux range. In that case, message us on WhatsApp before ordering and we will prepare it for you. Send us both frames and we will fit both pairs in the same order.
How it works: your frame, our Varilux lenses
- Configure the range, the coating and the index, and give us your prescription: you can type it in, upload a photo of it or send it by email.
- Send us your glasses. At checkout you will see the shipping options available for your country, and we will send you the instructions by email.
- We make and fit your lenses. Varilux lenses are made to measure for your prescription and your frame. The usual turnaround is 5 to 10 working days from the moment we receive your glasses.
- We send them back to you, with the new lenses already fitted.
What about shipping? Shipping options and costs depend on your country, and you will see them in the basket before you pay.
For a progressive lens, the frame needs enough lens height (usually 18-20 mm). Our opticians check this when your frame arrives.
90-day adaptation guarantee
Progressive lenses take a few days to get used to. If you find it difficult, write to us and we will go through it with you. And if, after the adaptation period and following the instructions for use, you still cannot get used to them, let us know within those 90 days and we will refund the price of the lenses, minus a fixed deduction for manufacturing, collection and handling. You can read the details in our terms and conditions.
Are they genuine Varilux lenses?
Yes. We buy our Varilux lenses directly from Essilor, and they carry Essilor’s laser authenticity engraving, which you can see when you hold the lens up to the light.
Varilux or ZEISS?
Both are premium lens brands. Varilux is the benchmark for progressive lenses thanks to how easy they are to adapt to, while ZEISS stands out for its optical precision; with us, ZEISS lenses are available as single vision lenses. We compare the two brands in depth in Varilux or ZEISS: which progressive lens should you choose?
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most affordable Varilux range?
Varilux Liberty 3.0. It is supplied as a pair, fitted in your own frame, with 1.5 index and Crizal Prevencia. You can see its current price in the configurator.
What makes Varilux XR series different?
It is Essilor’s most advanced range, designed with artificial intelligence based on real visual behaviour, for sharp vision from the first moment and more stability when you move. It comes with the same 1.5 index and Crizal Prevencia coating.
What is the difference between Comfort Max and Physio extensee?
Comfort Max is the balanced option for everyday life; Physio extensee gives wider, more natural vision, especially at computer distance. Physio extensee sits one level higher in the Varilux range.
Can I get Varilux sunglasses?
Yes. Green, grey or brown sun tints are available at no extra charge, and you can also choose polarized lenses as an optional extra.
How long does it take?
The usual turnaround is 5 to 10 working days from the moment we receive your glasses.