Whether you’re looking to correct your vision or simply change your look, contact lenses offer a great option. Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, making them ideal for those with presbyopia. Here’s an introduction to bifocal and multifocal contact lenses so you can decide if they’re right for you.
What Are Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are designed for people with presbyopia, a condition that causes the eye’s lens to lose its flexibility over time. This makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses have two or more distinct vision correction powers in one lens, which allows wearers to see clearly at multiple distances.
How Do Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?
The two main types of bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are simultaneous vision lenses and alternating vision lenses.
Simultaneous Vision Lenses
Simultaneous vision lenses have both distance and near vision correction in one lens. The distance prescription is in the center of the lens, while the near prescription is on the outer edge. This design lets you focus on both distant and close objects at the same time. However, because your eye must adjust to using two different prescriptions at once, it can take some time to get used to simultaneous vision lenses.
Alternating Vision Lenses
Alternating vision lenses have separate areas for distance and near vision correction. The distance prescription is in the top half of the lens, while the near prescription is in the bottom half. This design lets you alternate between distant and close vision by simply looking up or down. Alternating vision lenses are typically easier to adjust to than simultaneous vision lenses.
How Do Bifocal and Multifocal Lenses Differ?
Multifocal contact lenses have two or more different prescription powers in them, while bifocal lenses have just two. This allows the wearer to see both near and far objects clearly. There are many different types of multifocal contact lenses available, so it is important to talk to an eye care professional to find the best type for your individual needs.
What Are the Benefits of Bifocal and Multifocal Lenses?
There are a few advantages to using bifocal or multifocal contact lenses. First, they can help you see more clearly at all distances. Second, they can reduce the amount of eyestrain you experience. And third, they can help you save money on buying multiple pairs of glasses or contact lenses.
What Are Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Bifocal or Multifocal Contacts?
There are several symptoms that may show a need for bifocal or multifocal contacts, including:
- Blurry vision at both near and far distances
- Difficulty reading or performing other close-up tasks
- Eyestrain or headaches
- Dizziness
- A feeling of disorientation.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye care professional to determine if bifocal or multifocal contacts are right for you.
How Do I Care for Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Caring for bifocal and multifocal contact lenses is like caring for regular contact lenses. Be sure to wash your hands before handling your lenses, and clean and disinfect your lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be sure to also follow any wearing schedule that is recommended. Wearing your lenses for too long can increase your risk for developing an eye infection.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct vision at multiple distances. With proper care, they can provide clear vision and comfort for many years. Talk to an eye doctor at Windsor Eye Care and Vision Center about whether bifocal or multifocal contact lenses are right for you.
