Multifocal Contact Lenses

Many patients think that once they need a bifocal in their glasses, they can no longer use their contact lenses. But more and more technology is being introduced into contact lenses to give better vision to a wider variety of prescriptions. As your vision changes throughout life, you may notice focusing up close can become a challenge. With newer multifocal contact lenses, you don't necessarily have to pick up those cheaters or ditch the contacts entirely.
 

What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses correct for presbyopia, which is a condition that occurs as you age and makes focusing at near more difficult. These specialized contact lenses have both your distance and your reading prescription built into them so that you are able to see all distances without the need to put on cheaters on top of the contacts. 

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?

There are many different types of multifocal contact lenses, and each brand uses a different design in order to provide distance, intermediate, and near vision. A significant amount of technology goes into the development of these lenses. When it comes to soft contact lenses, they are made with concentric rings of varying prescription powers that correspond to your distance, intermediate, and near prescription. Your gaze, pupil size, and eye dominance all factor into how your brain is able to use the lenses to see at all distances.  
 

Prescriptions That Multifocal Contact Lenses Can Treat

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to address these main refractive conditions:

• Presbyopia: As you age, the natural lens in your eye loses its flexibility, which makes focusing on near objects, like the computer, phone, or a book, challenging.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): If you struggle to see distant objects clearly, multifocal contact lenses can incorporate a prescription to correct myopia, while also providing near and intermediate vision correction.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): For individuals with farsightedness, multifocal contact lenses can offer a solution by incorporating a prescription to improve distance vision, along with near and intermediate vision correction.

• Astigmatism: As technologies advance, more contact lens companies are making multifocal contacts othat correct for astigmatism. So if you've had low success in the past because of your astigmatism, ask about new lenses that are available at your next eye exam!

​​​​​Key Benefits of Using Multifocal Contact Lenses

Choosing multifocal contact lenses can offer many advantages, including:

• Clear Vision at All Distances: Multifocal contact lenses offer a solution to provide clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near. The goal with a multifocal contact lens fitting is to eliminate the need for putting reading glasses on when wearing the contacts.

• Convenience & Versatility: Because multifocal contact lenses provide vision at all distances, they offer the convenience of not having to wear multiple pairs of glasses for different activities. They allow you to transition between various day-to-day activities without the hassle of using reading glasses.

• Natural Appearance: For those who prefer contacts over glasses, multifocal contacts provide that same natural appearance while maintaining vision. When you compare to traditional bifocals, for example, the visible line is noticeable, whereas the change in prescription is not seen with a multifocal contact lens.

• Improved Depth Perception: Because of the ability to integrate both your distance and near prescription with multifocal contact lenses, your are able to maintain your depth perception and enhance your overall visual experience.

• Reduced Eye Strain: By providing a seamless visual transition for all distances and easing focus for the eyes, multifocal contact lenses can help reduce eye strain and fatigue, especially when working on computers or reading. This can help improve overall visual comfort while maintaining your eyes' ability to focus throughout the day.
   

If multifocal contact lenses sound like they may be beneficial to you, schedule an appointment with our eye doctor here in Westlake! Whether you've had difficulties with multifocal contacts in the past, or you've never worn contacts before, our optometrist can help you find a lens that will fit your visual demands and recommend the best contact lens solution for your individual needs. You can call or text us at 440-256-6894, or submit an appointment request for a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting right here on our website. We can't wait to meet you and help you see your best!