If you are over 40 and struggle to see up close, you may have presbyopia. This is a natural change that happens as the eyes age. The lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on near objects. Many people notice they must hold reading material at arm’s length. Reading glasses can help, but not everyone wants to wear them.
For those who prefer another option, bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are available. These lenses come in soft or rigid gas permeable materials. They let you see near and far without glasses. Many people find them more natural than wearing glasses. Progressive contacts and varifocal lenses are designed to give smooth vision across different distances.
Bifocal lenses have two zones. One is for distance, the other for near vision. They work well for clear focus at far and close range but may not cover the middle range.
Multifocal lenses include bifocals, trifocals, and progressive styles. These lenses have several powers across the lens. This makes it easier to shift focus between near, far, and in-between. Options like daily wear bifocals give flexibility for different lifestyles. Your doctor may suggest different refractive error solutions depending on your needs.
Multifocal contact lenses are usually made in two main styles: simultaneous vision and alternating vision.
These are the most common. They show near and distance zones at the same time. After a short adjustment, the eyes learn to use the right zone.
Two main designs are used:
These lenses are like bifocal glasses. The top section is used for distance, while the bottom is for near tasks. The zones can be reversed if needed.
Because lenses move slightly on the eye, they are held in place with a ballast (a thicker area) or a flat edge. These are only made in rigid gas permeable material, which gives sharp vision but may take time to get used to.
Monovision is another way to correct presbyopia. In this method, one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near. Usually, the dominant eye handles distance, and the non-dominant eye is set for close work.
A modified monovision setup can also be used. One eye may wear a single vision lens while the other wears a multifocal lens. Your doctor will test which approach works best for you.
If you have presbyopia, varifocal lenses, progressive contacts, or daily wear bifocals may be a good option. They let you see clearly at all distances without glasses. Many people prefer the freedom and look of contact lenses.
An eye exam will help decide which refractive error solution is best for you. Your optometrist can guide you toward lenses that fit your eyes and lifestyle.
Bifocals give two clear ranges. Multifocals cover near, far, and in-between more smoothly.
Your eyes may need more time to adjust. A prescription check can also help.
They can cause slight glare or reduced contrast, especially at night.
Give yourself time to adapt. Most users adjust within a few weeks.
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