What are Varilux eyeglass lenses?

Varilux is a brand of progressive eyeglass lenses that correct presbyopia, an age-related condition that reduces the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. First sold by a French company named Essel in 1959, Varilux was the first commercial brand of progressive eyeglass lenses.

Unlike the bifocal lenses they improved on, Varilux progressive lenses help the eyes focus on objects that are at near, far or medium distances without any visible lines in the lenses or abrupt changes in lens power. Today, the lenses are marketed by Essilor International, which was formed when Essel merged with a competing ophthalmic lens manufacturer named Silor.