We recommend multifocals to our patients as they age as a great option to continue wearing contact lenses. Generally, starting in our early to mid-40s, regular contact lenses may not provide great vision. As our eyes become weaker due to presbyopia, we start to need more assistance when reading near objects, which is when many people start thinking about obtaining reading glasses. Prior to multifocal contact lenses, patients either had to wear a reading pair of glasses over their lenses that would only provide distance vision, or they had to switch to progressive glasses or bifocals where they would be able to see both far and near.
One Contact Lens for Multiple Scenarios
Multifocal contact lenses have the advantage that they're basically one lens that can solve multiple problems, providing clear vision for both distance and year.
Whereas with simpler contact lens designs, they're just used for one set distance either one for faraway or one for up close.
Are There Different Types of Multifocal Contact Lenses?
There are two major designs of multifocal contact lenses, there's either the simultaneous design or there's the segmented design.
Simultaneous design There are two different types of simultaneous design contact lenses. There is the concentric design, where the central portion of the lenses is either for distance or for near viewing, and then outside of that central portion, there's concentric rings in the opposite design. So, if the center is center distance, then the concentric rings go from near then to distance.
Another design is an aspheric design where there is a gradual change from near to distance.
Segmented Design Usually found in rigid gas permeable design, they are similar to bifocal glasses, the top is for distance and the bottom is for near.
The Importance of a Contact Lens Exam for Multifocal Lenses
Because Multifocal lenses are just one lens that tries to solve multiple issues, it is important for the patient to try different lenses and to expect a slight period of adjustment. Generally, patients adapt to this type of lens very quickly, and have a very positive experience with them. Providing great vision near and far is a priority at our office, and we take time to find the right option for each patient.
