Contact lenses for presbyopia: options for near vision
If you’re around age 40 and noticing it's getting harder to read up close, it may be time to correct the age-related vision changes of presbyopia. Contact lenses can help correct presbyopia, and common options include multifocal contact lenses, monovision contact lenses, or other prescription lens options, depending on what your eye doctor recommends.
Key takeaways
- Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, affecting your ability to clearly see things that are close to your face
- Single vision contacts correct distance vision but require reading glasses for close-up tasks
- Monovision contacts correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision
- Multifocal contacts correct near, far, and intermediate vision in one lens, often eliminating the need for reading glasses
- ACUVUE® Multifocal Lenses with PUPIL-OPTIMIZED DESIGN have built-in personalization designed for better visual performance
A comparison of contact lenses for presbyopia
Feature | Single Vision Contacts with Eyeglasses | Monovision Contacts | Multifocal Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost | $$$-$$$ | $$$-$$$ | $$$ |
Adaptability | Similar adaptability to eyeglasses | May require adjustment period | May require an adjustment period |
Near Vision | Uncorrected, would still need reading glasses | Clear in one eye, uncorrected in the other | Clear vision |
Intermediate Distance Vision | Uncorrected | Uncorrected | Clear vision |
Distance Vision | Clear for specific prescription | Clear in one eye, uncorrected in the other | Clear vision |
Combining contacts and glasses
Single vision lenses correct specific issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness but still require reading glasses for tasks like checking your text messages. While affordable and simple to use, they aren’t ideal for those who want to avoid glasses altogether.
Pros:
- Could be cost-effective, depending on the lenses
- Simple
Cons:
- Still have to use eyeglasses
- No intermediate distance correction
Optimizing one eye for near vision and one eye for far
The monovision approach to correcting presbyopia means correcting your distance vision in one eye, and your close-up vision in the other. This can be an effective approach for some people, but it can take time to get used to and may impact your depth perception.
Pros:
- Clear near and distance vision
- Reduces dependence on reading glasses
Cons:
- No intermediate vision correction
- Can reduce depth perception
- Adjustment period can be challenging for some
Multiple prescriptions in the same lens for clear vision at all distances
Multifocal contacts are the most advanced option for presbyopia, correcting near, far, and intermediate vision in a single lens. With multiple prescription zones, they offer seamless transitions for all fields of vision.
Pros:
- Clear vision near, far, and in-between
- May eliminate the need for reading glasses entirely
Cons:
- May cost more than other lenses
- Some users experience a short adjustment period
Which are the best contact lenses for presbyopia?
The best contact lenses for your presbyopia depend on the needs of your eyes and is best determined by your eye doctor. With that in mind, it may be helpful to know that in some studies, the majority of those wearing contact lenses for presbyopia prefer to wear multifocal contact lenses.
ACUVUE® Contact Lenses made for presbyopia
Why choose ACUVUE for presbyopia?
Clear vision near and far
Go from reading close up to seeing far away with the same contacts
Optimized for your pupils
Pupil size changes with age and refraction. We account for that to provide clear, crisp vision
Designed for all-day comfort
ACUVUE® OASYS MULTIFOCAL contact lenses are moisture-infused to provide exceptional comfort all day
UV protection#^
ACUVUE offers UV blocking#^ across its entire line of contact lenses to help shield harmful UV radiation
Frequently asked questions
Visit an eye doctor for an exam and fitting to determine the best lenses for your vision needs.
Yes, there are contact lenses that help you read when you have the age-related vision changes of presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses are a common approach if you already wear contact lenses because they help you see near, far, and in-between. Another approach is monovision contact lenses, where you correct your near vision in one eye.
Yes, specialized lenses like ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM can correct both conditions.
Monovision and multifocals can both provide clear vision near and far for many people, but it may be helpful to know that in some studies, the majority of those wearing contact lenses for presbyopia prefer to wear multifocal contacts. Ultimately, the only person that can decide which is better for you is your eye doctor.
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the severity of your dry eye and your overall eye health. If you’re interested in contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor to discuss your options.
Contacts often cost more in the long run due to frequent replacement, while glasses may last for years.
Yes, contacts can still correct presbyopia post-LASIK. Ask your doctor about your options.
Related content
Presbyopia—causes, symptoms, treatments
Get to know treatment options for presbyopia
The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.
#Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
^WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.
