In this article, we will explain 5 things about multifocal contact lenses which can helps people see clearly across a range of distances, and are often used to correct presbyopia. Multifocal lenses bend light to more than one focal point on the retina. This is how they compensate for refractive errors affecting near, intermediate, and distance vision. Many people with presbyopia choose to wear multifocal contact lenses rather than juggling two pairs of prescription glasses. Today, there are various multifocal contact lens options are available, so let’s know more about multifocal contact lenses that are best for you.
Here are the 5 things about multifocal contact lenses you should know:
1. What are multifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are made with different lens powers, targeting vision at varying distances from the wearer. Basically, they are contact lenses with multiple prescriptions in one lens. This all-in-one lens benefits people with presbyopia by helping to correct age-related vision problems – when their eyes can no longer focus on objects up close. As we age, it becomes more difficult for our eyes to focus on nearby objects. Many people need one prescription to read and another to see things farther away. Multifocal contacts are a popular option for dealing with presbyopia.
2. How Multifocal Contacts Lenses Work
Multifocal contacts are wonders of optical engineering that provide more than one prescription power in a single lens—no small feat. This is accomplished with a complex structure that brings light to different focal points depending on where it enters the lens. Consumers have several types of multifocal contacts to choose from, including:
Simultaneous Vision: There are two types of simultaneous vision lenses. The concentric design features alternating powers arranged in concentric circles. The aspheric approach gradually changes the prescription as you move outward from the center of the lens. Your brain learns to pay attention to the part of the lens that provides the clearest vision in a given situation.
Segmented Vision: A distinct border separates each prescription, similar to the design of bifocal glasses. In order for segmented lenses to work properly, your pupil must be able to move beneath them so you can use the proper prescription. This is accomplished with a simple design tweak: when looking down, the bottom of the lens gently touches the lower eyelid, pushing the lens back towards the center of the eye.
3. What’s the difference between multifocal and bifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses have a smooth and gradual transition between the prescription for reading and seeing things close up, the prescription for normal distance, and viewing things far off in the distance – very much like progressive eyeglasses. Bifocals, on the contrary, have an abrupt difference in the line between the near and normal vision prescription areas of the lens.
4. What are the types of multifocal contacts?
Multifocal contacts are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) lens materials and are designed for daily wear or extended (overnight) wear. Soft multifocal lenses can be comfortably worn on a part-time basis, so they’re great for weekends and other occasions if you prefer not to wear them on an all-day, every day schedule.
For the ultimate in convenience, one-day disposable soft multifocal lenses allow you to discard the lenses at the end of a single day of wear, so there’s no hassle with lens care.
In many cases, GP multifocal contact lenses provide sharper vision than soft multifocal contacts. But because of their rigid nature, GP multifocal contacts require some adaptation and are more comfortable if you condition your eyes by wearing the lenses every day.
Hybrid multifocal contacts are another option for clear vision at all distances after age 40. These lenses provide the clarity of gas permeable contacts and the comfort and easy adaptation of soft lenses.
5. Choosing multifocal contact lenses
The most important thing to know when choosing multifocal contact lenses is communication with your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will need to know about your lifestyle, hobbies and regular activities, what your prescriptions are and will then be able to go over the options which are best for you. Visit to your eye doctor for consultation, book your appointment with us at Malaya Optical Optometrist.