Everything You Need To Know About Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are ideal for people who need correction for both near and far vision. This eyewear gives wearers the ability to see objects at all distances. Eye doctors usually recommend them for patients with presbyopia. 

Here’s everything you need to know about multifocal contact lenses. 

What are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Multifocal contacts correct vision impairments affecting both near and far vision. You can get them in various types, including bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses. Each type of lens works differently to correct vision at different distances. 

Bifocal contact lenses are the most common type of multifocal lens. They feature two distinct viewing areas, one for near vision and the other for far vision. Trifocal lenses are similar to bifocals but have three viewing distances instead of two. Unlike the earlier types of lenses, progressives don’t have distinct lines among vision distances.

Who Should Consider Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Aging Individuals

It’s normal for your vision to change as you age. The older you get, the more your eyes lose their ability to focus on close objects. It is the reason eye specialists typically recommend multifocal lenses to people 40 and older. 

People With Presbyopia

Anyone who has difficulty focusing on objects at different distances should consider multifocal contact lenses. This includes people with presbyopia, general age-related farsightedness or other vision problems that make it difficult to focus on objects.

Diabetes Patients

Sometimes, eye doctors recommend multifocal contact lenses to people with certain eye conditions. For instance, diabetes patients may benefit from these lenses since their eyes don’t produce sufficient quality tears for lubrication and comfort. Dry eye syndrome is a common diabetes symptom. Patients can get relief by wearing water-based contacts and using lubricating eye drops. 

Individuals With Special Visual Needs

Does your job require you to frequently look from screens or clipboards to objects at a distance? If so, your might benefit from multifocal contact lenses. They allow you to see nearby and distant things without constantly needing to swap glasses.  

Multifocal Contact Lenses vs. Monovision

Monovision contact lenses are another option for people with presbyopia. However, they may not work as well as multifocal contact lenses. Some patients also find them less comfortable than multifocal lenses. 

Further, monovision lenses correct one eye for near vision and the other for far vision. It could be disorienting and uncomfortable since your eyes are focusing on different things at the same time. On the other hand, multifocal lenses usually provide better comfort and overall wear experience than monovision lenses. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Multifocal Contact Lenses

Cost

The price of multifocal lenses varies significantly, depending on the lens type and brand. Your optometrist will discuss your options during your contact eye exam to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget.

Comfort

You want to choose contact lenses that are more comfortable to wear. Let your eye doctor know if you experience pain while wearing your new contacts. 

Lifestyle

How often will you be wearing your contact lenses? What activities do you usually participate in? Asking yourself these questions will help you select lenses suitable for your lifestyle. 

Adjustment Time

It can take time to get used to your new multifocal contact lenses. Make sure you give yourself enough time to adjust and practice wearing them before expecting perfect vision. Notify your eye specialist if your eyes haven’t adjusted after 10 to 12 days.

Tips for Adjusting to Your New Multifocal Lenses

Follow Your Eye Doctor’s Instructions

When you get multifocal contact lenses, your optometrist will instruct you on how to wear them and care for them. You’ll need to regularly clean and disinfect your new lenses. Only use the solution recommended by your eye doctor for cleaning and storing your lenses. It’s also essential to replace your contact lens case every three months. 

Keep Wearing Your Multifocal Contacts

When you first get your multifocal contact lenses, frequently wearing them will help you adjust t them better. Your eyes will get used to the different powers faster and easier the more you wear your contacts. It usually takes patients at least a week to become comfortable with their new multifocal lenses. 

Avoid Looking Down, Especially When Walking

It isn’t uncommon for patients to look down while wearing new prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, it will not help you adjust to your multifocal lenses. Looking down will slightly change your depth perception, causing discomfort and even accidents. 

How Can Your Eye Doctor Help?

Only your eye doctor can determine if multifocal lenses are ideal for your vision needs. During your visit to the eye clinic, they will carefully measure your eyes to ensure proper contact lens fit. You will experience discomfort if your contact lenses don’t fit properly. 

Your eye doctor will tell you about your options, explaining the pros and cons of each. They will give you reminders and instructions to help you avoid complications. Moreover, regular eye exams are essential to maintaining good eye health and preserving vision.