Multifocal Contact Lenses: Everything You Need to Know for Clear Vision at All Distances
What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide vision correction at more than one distance within the same lens. They are primarily used by people with presbyopia who need help seeing at near, intermediate and far distances.
Presbyopia is an age-related change in vision that usually becomes noticeable from the early to mid-40s. Reading small text, looking at a smartphone or focusing on nearby objects may gradually require more effort.
Instead of switching between distance correction and reading glasses, multifocal lenses combine several optical powers within each contact lens. Different manufacturers achieve this in different ways, which is one reason one multifocal lens may suit you better than another.
Explore our full range of multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia.
What Types of Multifocal Contact Lenses Are Available?
Multifocal contact lenses differ in optical design and replacement schedule. These differences explain why similar prescription values are not always interchangeable.
Common optical designs include:
- Aspheric designs: The power changes gradually across different areas of the contact lens.
- Concentric designs: Near and distance powers are arranged in a series of rings or optical zones.
- Centre-near and centre-distance designs: The central area of the lens prioritises either near or distance vision, with other powers arranged around it.
Most modern soft multifocal lenses use simultaneous vision. This means visual information for multiple distances reaches the eye at once. Your visual system adapts to use the most useful information.
This design differs from progressive glasses. With glasses, you look through different lens areas for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
What Does ADD Mean on Multifocal Contact Lenses?
One of the most important values when choosing multifocal contact lenses is ADD.
ADD stands for addition and represents the additional near correction incorporated into the multifocal design. It works alongside the standard SPH or PWR value on your prescription.
Depending on the manufacturer, ADD may be a numerical value. It may also use categories like LOW, MED, or HIGH.
ADD systems are not standardised across all multifocal lenses. A HIGH ADD in one product may differ from another due to optical designs.
Read our guide to contact lens parameters for help understanding your prescription. This includes SPH, BC, DIA, and ADD.
Daily Multifocal Contact Lenses
Daily contact lenses are worn once and discarded after removal. There is no need to clean or store the lenses overnight.
Daily multifocal lenses can be particularly convenient if you:
- Prefer a fresh pair of lenses every day
- Only wear contact lenses on certain days
- Want to avoid a daily cleaning and storage routine
- Use contact lenses for travel, exercise or social occasions in addition to glasses
One example is Dailies Total 1 Multifocal, a daily multifocal contact lens for presbyopia.
Monthly Multifocal Contact Lenses
Monthly contact lenses are reusable and need to be cleaned, disinfected and stored correctly between uses.
They can be an option for people who wear contact lenses regularly and are comfortable with a lens-care routine.
Examples include:
Daily and monthly lenses are not just different packaging. They use different materials and care routines. Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your specific lens.
How Do You Choose the Right Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Choosing multifocal contact lenses involves more than finding your normal distance power.
Several factors can influence which lens works best for you:
- Distance prescription: Your normal SPH or PWR correction.
- ADD requirement: The amount of additional near correction you need.
- Optical design: Different multifocal designs distribute near and distance powers differently.
- Lens fit: Base curve, diameter and lens movement can influence comfort and vision.
- Replacement schedule: Daily and reusable lenses offer different routines and levels of convenience.
- Your visual priorities: Reading, computer work, driving and other activities can place different demands on your vision.
Some people use several computer screens daily. Others may prioritise long distance driving or near vision for reading.
An optometrist can assess these factors and help determine an appropriate lens, power and ADD.
Can You Switch Between Multifocal Contact Lens Brands?
You should not assume that multifocal contact lenses from different manufacturers are interchangeable simply because the prescription values look similar.
Products may differ in material, base curve, diameter, ADD system and optical design. These differences can affect both fit and the balance between near, intermediate and distance vision.
If you are happy with your current lenses, reorder the exact model. Use the parameters recommended for you.
If you want to change brands, have the alternative assessed. Do not transfer your prescription values directly to another product.
Benefits of Multifocal Contact Lenses
For suitable wearers, multifocal contact lenses can provide several practical benefits:
- Vision across several distances: The same lenses can support near, intermediate and distance vision.
- Less dependence on reading glasses: Many wearers can reduce how often they need additional reading glasses.
- Unobstructed field of view: Contact lenses move with the eyes and are not restricted by spectacle frames.
- Useful for active situations: Contact lenses can be convenient for exercise, sports and travel.
- Daily and reusable choices: Different replacement schedules allow you to choose a lens suited to your wearing routine.
There can be compromises. These lenses balance several distances. One distance may not feel as sharp as single-vision correction.
Getting Used to Multifocal Contact Lenses
Some people adapt quickly to multifocal contact lenses, while others need more time.
During adjustment, some vision may feel more natural than others. This happens particularly under demanding lighting conditions.
Follow your optometrist's instructions to give your visual system time to adapt. Small changes to power or ADD may improve the balance.
This is another reason not to judge all multifocal contact lenses based on your experience with a single model.
Multifocal or Progressive Contact Lenses?
The terms multifocal contact lenses and progressive contact lenses are often used for the same correction.
Multifocal is the common term for contact lenses. Progressive is more associated with glasses, but you may see it for contacts too.
The important factor is choosing a design that suits your prescription. Ensure it meets your eyes and everyday visual needs.
Finding the Right Multifocal Contact Lenses
No single multifocal lens is best for everyone. Products use different materials and designs. Wearers have different demands for various distances.
If you wear multifocal lenses successfully, use the exact recommended model. An optometrist can help if you are trying them for the first time.
Explore our range of multifocal contact lenses, including daily and monthly options. Or browse all contact lenses from Netlens.