As we enter our 40s, many of us start noticing that reading small print like menus, labels, or texts becomes more difficult. This common vision change is known as presbyopia, a natural, age-related condition where the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on close objects.
If you’d rather not rely on reading glasses, contact lenses can offer a convenient and effective solution. Today, there are several types of lenses available that can correct both distance and near vision, with multifocal contact lenses being one of the most popular options.
What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are specially designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances: near, intermediate, and far. Unlike traditional lenses that correct only one focal point, multifocal lenses combine different prescriptions within a single lens, allowing wearers to seamlessly transition between viewing distances.
There are several designs of multifocal lenses, each working a bit differently.
Simultaneous Vision Designs
These lenses present both near and distance vision zones to the eye at the same time. Your brain learns to select the appropriate focus based on what you’re looking at. There are 2 main types of simultaneous designs:
- Concentric ring design: Features alternating rings of near and distance prescriptions. Typically, the center of the lens is set for either near or distance vision, with surrounding rings alternating between the 2. This setup works well under good lighting and for people who adapt quickly to lens changes.
- Aspheric design: Gradually transitions from distance to near power, mimicking the natural shape of the eye’s lens. This design can offer a smoother visual experience and often works well for people with intermediate vision demands, such as computer use.
Segmented (Translating) Design
Similar to bifocal glasses, segmented designs have a clear separation between distance and near zones, usually with distance correction on top and near correction on the bottom. These are more commonly used in rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses and rely on your eye movement to shift between focal points as you look up or down.
Custom Multifocal Contact Lenses
For individuals with unique vision needs, custom multifocal contact lenses offer a tailored solution. These lenses are designed based on precise measurements of the eye, providing a better fit and improved comfort.
Custom multifocals are ideal for people with:
- Irregular corneas or astigmatism
- High prescriptions requiring more accurate correction
- Complex visual needs that traditional multifocals may not fully address
Custom multifocals can be especially beneficial for those who:
- Require highly accurate vision at both near and far distances
- Have struggled with adaptation to standard multifocal lenses
- Are looking for a premium, personalized solution
The personalized design enhances both comfort and visual clarity, making custom multifocal lenses a strong option for patients seeking a more refined visual experience.
Adaptation: What to Expect
Getting used to multifocal lenses can take time. It may take a few days to a few weeks for your eyes and brain to adapt to the new way of processing vision. Some initial blurriness or ghosting is normal, especially in low-light conditions.
Here at Urban Optique & Eyecare, Dr. Simms often recommends starting with multifocal contact lenses for patients experiencing presbyopia because:
- They allow both eyes to work together across all distances
- They closely mimic how vision worked before presbyopia developed
- They reduce the dependency on reading glasses without compromising distance clarity
Why Multifocal Contact Lenses Are a Popular Choice
- Both eyes contribute to near, intermediate, and distance vision
- Offers a smooth, natural visual experience
- Helps maintain depth perception and binocular vision
- Reduces or eliminates the need for reading glasses
- Ideal for people with active lifestyles or jobs that require frequent visual shifting
See Clearly at Every Distance
If you’re starting to struggle with near vision but want to continue wearing contact lenses, multifocal lenses, including custom-designed options, might be the perfect solution to explore.
If you’re in the Chandler Gilbert area and are interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate, schedule an appointment with Dr. Simms here at Urban Optique & Eyecare. With the right lens and a little adaptation time, clear, comfortable vision both near and far might be just a lens away.
