Multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia
Multifocal contact lenses can help correct presbyopia, which is defined as age-related changes in near vision. As the name suggests, multifocals include multiple prescription strengths in the same lens, offering a convenient alternative to reading glasses.
Key takeaways
- Presbyopia is an age-related vision change that happens to everyone and makes it hard to focus on things that are near your face
- Multifocal contact lenses have multiple prescription strengths in the same lens, helping people with presbyopia see clearly at different focus depths, often eliminating the need for reading glasses
- They may take some getting used to, and there are other options if multifocals aren’t right for you
Presbyopia: Age-related changes to near vision
Multifocal contacts help you see clearly at multiple distances
To uncover what multifocal contact lenses are, let’s start by breaking down the name. “Multi” means multiple and “focal” is about the ability to focus. If we put that together, we have contacts that can help you focus on multiple distances in one lens. For example, they’d help you see clearly if you’re reading a book in a park, and then look up to watch your kids play on the playground. It may seem incredible that multiple prescriptions can be in the same tiny lens, but it works, and we’ll cover how in the next section.
How do multifocal contacts work?
Multifocal contacts are designed so that the eyes can use the part of the lens needed to see clearly in that moment. You can think of it kind of like looking through a window screen. You can either look at the screen (near vision) or at what’s behind it (distance vision). Here are the three main ways that contact lenses are designed to provide more than one prescription in the same lens.
Aspheric
This type of lens changes prescription power gradually as you go from the center of the lens to the edge. Your eyes learn to use the right part of the lens for whatever you’re looking at in the moment, whether it’s near or far. These are sometimes also referred to as progressive contact lenses. This is the type of lens that ACUVUE makes.
Concentric
Multifocal contact lenses in this category use concentric rings (rings within rings) to provide different focusing powers. Usually, the center of the contact lens corrects distance vision, and then the rings alternate between near and far correction until it reaches the edge of the contact lens.
Segmented
If you’ve ever seen bifocal eyeglasses, these work in a similar way. There’s a top part of the lens that corrects distance vision and a part below that corrects near vision, with a clear division between.
Advantages and disadvantages
Multifocal contact lenses can be a great option for many people, it just depends on what you’re looking for and what your eye doctor recommends.
Advantages
- Clear vision at all distances
Multifocal contacts correct vision near, far and in-between - Convenience
Only need readers when you’re not wearing contact lenses - Aesthetics
Enjoy a natural look all day
Disadvantages
- Adjustment period
It may take some time (days to weeks) for your brain gets used to the different powers in the lens - Not for everyone
Vision may not be perfect for all people, and some people may not adjust to this lens type - Cost
Due to their design, multifocals are typically more expensive than standard single-vision contact lenses
Alternatives to multifocal contacts
Of course, if multifocal contacts lenses aren’t right for you, you have a few other options.
Eyeglasses
Whether over-the-counter readers or prescription glasses like bifocals, eyeglasses can be a good option for people who aren’t interested in contact lenses or surgery.
A combination of eyeglasses and contact lenses
This option can be used for people who already use single vision contact lenses and aren’t bothered by reading glasses.
LASIK eye surgery
This is the most permanent of treatment options, and because of that, it’s not often recommended for people with no vision problems other than presbyopia.
Monovision contact lenses
Another approach to contact lenses for presbyopia that uses one eye to focus on near objects and one eye to focus on objects in the distance.
Frequently asked questions about multifocal contacts
Multifocal contact lenses can be a great option for many people experiencing presbyopia. In studies of those who currently wear contacts, over half preferred multifocal contact lenses to monovision. That said, multifocals are not for everyone, and your eye doctor is the best person to determine what vision correction is best for you.
Multifocal lenses can take some getting used to since they require training your brain to “see through” certain parts of the lens, so you may not experience clear vision immediately. Other complaints may include difficulty seeing clearly in poor lighting conditions, vision not being as clear as you’d hoped, or the feeling of dry eyes. If you experience any of these issues, contact your eye doctor, as they may be able to help you resolve them.
Since multifocal contact lenses have several focusing powers in the same lens, it can take a little bit of time for you to get used to them. That’s because your brain has to learn how to use the different powers in the lens. For some people, this can take a few weeks. If you have any questions or concerns about how long it’s taking to get used to your multifocal lenses, contact your eye doctor.
Generally, wearers of multifocal lenses can drive at night. If you feel that you’re experiencing a change your ability to see well when driving at night, talk to your eye doctor about it.
The goal of multifocal contact lenses is to provide clear vision at various distances to people with presbyopia. If you’re experiencing blurry vision with your multifocal contacts, talk to your eye doctor.
Certain multifocal contact lenses are made specifically for people with astigmatism. This type of lens is called a “toric multifocal contact lens,” and its design helps correct blurry vision caused by the unique shape of an eye with astigmatism. If you’re interested, talk to your eye doctor—they’ll be able to determine if toric multifocal lenses are right for your eyes.
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Footnotes
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.
*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.
Important Information For Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.
