Multifocal Contact Lenses: A Complete Guide
Finding the right contact lenses for near and far vision issues can be difficult. Whether it’s presbyopia or other vision changes you have been dealing with, multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are a convenient solution. In this guide, we’ll discuss how these lenses work, explore the top brands available, and provide tips on finding the option that best fits your needs.
Are you ready to find the perfect lenses? Browse our collection of multifocal and bifocal lenses and consult with your opthalmologist for recommendations.
Bifocal vs. Multifocal Contacts—What’s the Difference?
The difference between bifocal and multifocal lenses focuses on how they address vision needs.
Bifocal contacts have two distinct optical zones—one for close-up tasks (i.e.reading) and another for seeing at a distance. These lenses are perfect for people who opt for a sharp distinction between near and far vision.
Multifocal contacts, on the other hand, provide a smoother transition between different vision zones, which enhances vision adjustment at near, intermediate, and far distances. Multifocal lenses create a more natural vision experience as they eliminate the "jump" between different prescriptions, and this is what makes them the preferred choice for many people with presbyopia.
Best Brands for Multifocal and Bifocal Contact Lenses
Numerous popular brands offer high-quality multifocal and bifocal contact lenses, meeting various vision correction needs and catering to lifestyle preferences. These brands provide lenses in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly solutions, which gives users flexibility and convenience.
Acuvue: A well-regarded brand that provides comfortable lenses for wearers with presbyopia.
Alcon: Offers a wide spectrum of multifocal lenses, including multifocal colored contacts for people with playful moods who want to enhance their eye color while correcting their vision.
CooperVision: Known for its extensive range of multifocal contact lenses, including those for astigmatism.
Bausch + Lomb: Popular as high-performance lenses, especially in the daily multifocal contact lenses category.
How to Choose the Best Multifocal or Bifocal Contact Lenses
When choosing the right multifocal or bifocal contact lenses, it’s important to consider a few key factors
- Vision Needs. If you are having a hard time with near and far vision, bifocal or progressive contact lenses might be the most suitable solution.
- Lifestyle. If you have a busy everyday life and opt for disposable lenses, daily options will probably work better for you. However, note that monthly lenses can be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Comfort: How comfortable you feel when wearing contact is critical. Some lenses are known for their supreme comfort, especially for all-day wear.
- Astigmatism: If you have astigmatism, you will need to look for multifocal contact lenses for astigmatism that are designed to correct presbyopia and astigmatism.
Colored Multifocal Contacts: Combine Style with Vision Correction
If you’ve ever wanted to switch up your look while enjoying the convenience of clear vision, multifocal colored contacts are your go-to choice. Picture correcting both near and far vision while adding a touch of personality to your eyes, all in one lens! From a soft, natural enhancement to a bold, mind-blowing transformation, brands like Alcon have a great variety of colors to match your mood and style.
It’s not only about seeing the world more clearly—it’s about being seen in a way that reflects your unique flair. When you choose multifocal colored lenses, you also choose functionality and fashion. You get sharp, seamless vision and stunning eyes that turn heads wherever you go. Why blend in when you can stand out with lenses that can do it all?
Bifocal Contacts for Astigmatism—A Comprehensive Solution
Many brands understand that finding the right contact lenses can be a challenging task if you have astigmatism. And this is the reason why they offer bifocal contacts for astigmatism. These lenses aim to correct both astigmatism and presbyopia and allow you to see clearly at multiple distances while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Daily Multifocal Contact Lenses—The Ultimate Convenience
For people with busy lifestyles, daily multifocal contact lenses can be the ultimate solution. These lenses can be worn for one day and discarded without having to worry about cleaning and storage. Daily multifocal lenses are also ideal for wearers with sensitive eyes or those who prefer the ease of fresh lenses every day.
Trifocal Contacts—Are They an Option?
Trifocal contact lenses are less common than bifocal or multifocal lenses, but they do exist and are for people who need an additional intermediate vision zone. These lenses are extremely helpful for individuals who require clear vision at intermediate distances, like computer work, without sacrificing near and far vision clarity.
Contacts for Presbyopia—Finding the Right Fit
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that entails loss of the eye's ability to focus on close-up objects. If you have this condition, multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are excellent options for restoring clear vision at various distances.
From daily lenses to colored contact lenses and or lenses for astigmatism, there are numerous options available to meet your unique vision needs. Consulting with your opthalmologist is the best way to determine which lenses will help you identify the best fit and the most comfortable wearing experience.
Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are a convenient and versatile solution for presbyopia or other vision challenges. With numerous options available, such as daily, colored, and lenses for astigmatism, there’s a perfect pair of lenses to suit any lifestyle and several vision needs.
If you’re considering getting contact lenses and enjoying all the benefits they have to offer, you may need to see an eye care specialist for a thorough eye exam and personalized recommendations.
In case you don’t know where to start and want to learn more about contact lenses, you can visit the Blue Planet Optics blog. Alternatively, get in touch with us through the Online Chat channel; one of our customer care representatives will be happy to help you with any questions so that you buy your next pair with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for eyes to adjust to multifocal contacts?
Your eyes typically need anywhere from a few days to two weeks to adjust to multifocal contact lenses. During this period, you may experience slight blurriness or discomfort because your brain adapts to focusing through the different lens powers for near, intermediate, and distance vision. Note that, if discomfort or blurriness persists after two weeks, you should visit your eye doctor.
Who cannot wear multifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe astigmatism or people who have significant differences in their vision prescription between each eye might not experience the full benefits of multifocal lenses. Eye conditions, such as chronic dry eye or corneal health issues, may also turn wearing these lenses into an uncomfortable experience. Lastly, if you require extremely sharp and detailed vision for tasks, like night driving or reading fine print, multifocal lenses probably don’t offer the precise focus these specific activities demand.
Why are my multifocal contacts blurry?
One common cause is an improper fit, where the lenses shift or don’t sit as they should on your eyes, which leads to unclear vision. Another possible scenario is that your prescription isn’t fully aligned with your vision needs, especially when it comes to the balance between the different zones in the lens. Blurriness is also common during the initial adaptation phase as your brain learns to switch between near, intermediate, and distance vision zones. Dry eyes can also contribute to blurry vision, as dryness may cause the lenses to move out of place.
What are the disadvantages of multifocal contact lenses?
First, the adaptation period, during which your eyes adjust to the lenses’ different focal zones, can feel awkward, and some people may struggle to achieve the same sharpness they would get from single-vision lenses. Another drawback is the higher cost of multifocal lenses compared to standard lenses or reading glasses. Some people also report occasional blurriness, especially when focusing on intermediate distances or shifting between near and far vision tasks. Multifocal lenses may also cause halos or glare around lights, in low-light conditions, which activities like night driving more challenging. People with severe astigmatism or specific vision demands may too find these lenses less proper for their needs.