What are multifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses correct presbyopia. This age-related change makes it hard to focus on nearby objects. Presbyopia usually starts in your early to mid-40s. The natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible.
Like progressive glasses, multifocal contact lenses contain more than one optical power. They provide correction for near, intermediate and far distances. This reduces the need to switch to reading glasses.
If you are looking for contact lenses designed specifically for presbyopia, explore our full range of multifocal contact lenses.
How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?
Most modern soft multifocal lenses use a simultaneous vision design. Different powers are positioned within the optical area of the lens at the same time.
Powers may be in concentric zones or aspheric designs. The power changes gradually across the lens. Your visual system adapts to the information from different zones. It uses the most useful image for the distance.
Some rigid gas permeable multifocal lenses instead use an alternating or translating design. These work more like bifocal glasses, with separate optical areas for distance and near vision. Movement of the lens when looking downward helps position the near-vision area in front of the pupil.
Design varies between manufacturers and models. Similar prescription values may perform differently for the same wearer.
Multifocal Contact Lenses for Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing. It is not an eye disease. Reading or using a phone may become more difficult as focus declines.
A multifocal contact lens prescription normally includes an ADD value in addition to the standard power or SPH value. The ADD specifies the additional near-vision correction required.
Our guide to contact lens parameters explains common values such as SPH, BC, DIA and ADD in more detail.
Advantages of Multifocal Contact Lenses
Both multifocal contact lenses and progressive glasses can provide effective correction for presbyopia. Which solution works best depends on your vision, lifestyle and personal preferences.
Potential benefits of multifocal contact lenses include:
- Vision at several distances: Multifocal lenses are designed to support near, intermediate and distance vision without changing between different pairs of glasses.
- Natural field of view: Because contact lenses move with your eyes, your vision is not limited by a spectacle frame.
- Useful for active lifestyles: Contact lenses can be convenient for exercise, outdoor activities and situations where glasses may get in the way.
- No fogging from glasses: Contact lenses are not affected by rain, temperature changes or fogging in the same way as spectacle lenses.
- Choice of replacement schedules: Multifocal lenses are available as both daily disposable and reusable lenses.
However, multifocal contact lenses can involve some compromise between near and distance vision. The aim is usually to achieve a good overall balance rather than perfect vision at every distance in every situation.
Daily or Monthly Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are available with different replacement schedules. The right option depends on the product prescribed for you and your preferences for convenience and lens care.
Daily contact lenses are worn once and discarded after removal. Multifocal examples include Dailies Total 1 Multifocal from Alcon and 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal from Johnson & Johnson.
Reusable monthly contact lenses are cleaned, disinfected and stored between uses. Examples include Biofinity Multifocal from CooperVision and ULTRA for Presbyopia from Bausch + Lomb.
Choosing the Right Multifocal Contact Lenses
Choosing multifocal contact lenses involves more than matching the basic power on your prescription. Your near-vision requirement, ADD value, eye health, lens fit and daily activities can all affect which lens performs best.
Manufacturers use different multifocal optical designs. A lens that works for one person may not work for another.
An eye care professional can determine the appropriate lens design, power and ADD. You may need to try several lenses for the best comfort and vision.
Adapting to Multifocal Contact Lenses
Adapting to multifocal lenses can take time. This is true if you are wearing them for the first time. Your system must adjust to different distance information.
During the adaptation period, some wearers may notice:
- Slightly blurred vision at certain distances
- Changes in contrast or vision in low-light conditions
- Eye fatigue while adjusting to the new correction
Adaptation varies between individuals. If your vision remains uncomfortable or inadequate, speak to your eye care professional. Small changes to the prescription, ADD power or lens design may improve the result.
Caring for Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses require the same careful hygiene as other contact lenses. Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses and follow the prescribed replacement schedule.
Daily disposable multifocal lenses should be discarded after each use. Reusable lenses should be cleaned, disinfected and stored using an appropriate contact lens solution. Never extend the replacement period simply because a lens still feels comfortable.
Regular eye examinations are important to monitor eye health. Ensure your prescription meets your needs as presbyopia changes.
Are Multifocal Contact Lenses Right for You?
For many people with presbyopia, multifocal contact lenses provide a convenient alternative to progressive glasses or reading glasses. They can offer useful vision across near, intermediate and far distances while providing the freedom of wearing contact lenses.
Results depend on a lens that suits your eyes and lifestyle. Consult an optometrist before switching to a new model.
Explore our complete selection of multifocal contact lenses from brands including Alcon, CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb and Johnson & Johnson.