MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES

Multifocal contact lenses are yet another way to tackle presbyopia, a condition making it difficult to focus on objects up close. Presbyopia, or farsightedness, affects nearly 111 million people in the United States, primarily individuals in their mid 40’s. If you suffer from near and farsighted vision, you may have thought glasses were your only option for corrective lenses. Think again! Similar to progressive or bifocal lenses (link to /resource/lenses-frames/progressive-lenses/), you can also wear bifocal or multifocal contact lenses to provide a natural transition between your near and distance vision.

What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a gradual, age-related loss in close up vision. If you begin experiencing eye strain after reading or are holding reading materials at arm’s length away to clearly view, schedule a visit with us to talk about your vision. There is no way to stop or reverse the effects of presbyopia. However, factors that can lead to a higher risk of developing presbyopia include age, medical conditions, and drug use. Our practice offers a wide range of eye care services and vision correction including frames, lenses, and contact lens options to fit your vision needs and keep you seeing your best.

Why Use Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses correct both eyes for distance and near vision. There are a variety of options available for multifocal contact lenses that can be worn depending on your preferences and lifestyle. From single and part-time to everyday use, there is a multifocal contact lens option for you.

If you have started experiencing signs of farsightedness and are interested in multifocal contact lenses, schedule your next appointment today to talk with our team. It is much easier to adjust the multifocal lens correction provided on lower prescription needs. If you have a strong prescription and would like to try multifocal contact lenses, contact our office today.

The Pros and Cons
Pros of Multifocal Contact Lenses
• Convenient to use
• Provide a variety of powers in one lens to allow for great vision at all distances
• Offer a smooth transition between different prescriptions without the distinct lines found in bifocal contact lenses
Cons of Multifocal Contact Lenses
• Not everyone finds their vision is not perfect at both near and distance.
• Adjustments are difficult with higher prescriptions
• More difficult to adjust when compared with standard contact lenses
• People who suffer from dry eyes may have more difficulty wearing contact lenses, which may not make the multifocal lenses a good solution to their presbyopia.

Types of Multifocal Contact Lenses
Simultaneous Design
The simultaneous vision design provides a gradual change between near and distance vision. The near, far, and intermediate vision is integrated throughout the lens providing a more natural transition and viewing experience.

Concentric and aspheric lenses are the most common simultaneous vision designs. The concentric design allows for the center of the lens to be the primary viewing zone and the rings around it gradually switch between near and distance vision. Aspheric lenses have a more gradual shift in prescription throughout the lens.

Segmented Design
Segmented contact lenses have a bifocal design. The distance vision is in the upper and central parts of the lens and the near vision is in the lower section of the lens. When the user looks down the contact lens remains in place due to the flattened bottom edge.

Ready to try out multifocal contact lenses? Give us a call to schedule your next appointment today!

If you would like more information on the different types of contacts available please visit our additional resource page or call our office: /contact-lenses-ordering/types-of-contact-lenses/