Everything You Need to Know About Multifocal Contact Lenses
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses correct the vision changes that come with presbyopia, giving you clear sight at multiple distances without reaching for reading glasses.
What Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a common, age-related condition in which the eye's natural lens loses its ability to focus on close objects. It affects most people starting around age 40. A familiar sign is needing to hold a newspaper or menu at arm's length to read it clearly. While reading glasses with bifocal or progressive lenses help, many people prefer the freedom of contact lenses. Bifocal and multifocal contacts are available in both soft and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) materials and let you look in any direction — up, down, and to the sides — with consistent vision at each distance.
The Difference Between Bifocal and Multifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are split into two distinct zones: one for distance vision and one for near vision. They let you shift focus from far to close, but vision between those two distances may not be crisp. Multifocal lenses cover a wider range — they can include bifocal, trifocal, or progressive designs that blend many powers across the lens. Non-bifocal multifocal lenses give you a continuous range of focus from close up, through intermediate distances, all the way to far away.
Simultaneous Vision Lenses
Simultaneous vision lenses are the most popular type of multifocal contact. Both the distance and near vision zones are active at the same time. After a short adjustment period, your eyes learn to focus on the zone they need and ignore the other. These lenses come in two designs. The concentric ring design (also called a bulls-eye design) places one power in a central circle with an alternate power in a ring around it. Extra rings can be added for intermediate viewing at about 18–24 inches. The aspheric design blends many lens powers smoothly across the center of the lens, creating a more natural vision experience similar to progressive eyeglass lenses.
Translating (Alternating) Vision Lenses
Translating lenses work like bifocal eyeglasses. The lens is divided into distinct zones, and your pupil moves to the zone it needs. Typically the upper part of the lens handles distance vision and the lower part handles near vision, though this can be reversed for specific needs. Because contact lenses can shift during wear, translating lenses are anchored in place by a ballast — a thicker section of the lens — or by a flattened bottom edge that rests against the lower eyelid. These lenses are only made in rigid gas permeable material.
Monovision: An Alternative to Multifocal Contacts
Monovision is another option for people with presbyopia, especially those who find it hard to adapt to multifocal lenses. With monovision, your dominant eye wears a lens set for distance vision while your non-dominant eye wears a lens set for near vision. A variation called modified monovision uses a single-vision lens in the dominant eye and a multifocal lens in the other eye to also cover intermediate distances. Your eye doctor will test both eyes to find the best fit for your vision and lifestyle.
Are Contact Lenses Right for You?
Many people with presbyopia prefer contact lenses over reading glasses for the look, comfort, and convenience they offer. Whether multifocal contacts or monovision is the better fit depends on your prescription, your daily activities, and how your eyes respond. A contact lens exam at Golden Triangle Eye Center will help determine the best option for your vision needs. Call us or request an appointment to get started.
