In the realm of vision correction, contact lenses have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to glasses. Among the various types available, multifocal contact lenses stand out for their ability to address multiple vision needs simultaneously. But how exactly do these lenses work, and what sets them apart from traditional single-vision lenses? In this blog post, we'll delve into the mechanics behind multifocal contact lenses, shedding light on their functionality and benefits.

What is Presbyopia? 

Presbyopia, often referred to as "aging eyes" or "short arm syndrome," is a common vision condition that typically becomes noticeable around 40. It occurs when the natural lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility and ability to focus on close objects. As a result, individuals with presbyopia experience difficulty with tasks requiring near vision, such as reading, using a smartphone, seeing a price on a pin pad or threading a needle. Symptoms may include blurred vision at close range, eye strain, headaches, and the need to hold reading materials at arm's length. Presbyopia is a natural vision change affecting nearly everyone. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment options like reading glasses, bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, or corrective surgery, individuals with presbyopia can continue to enjoy clear vision and maintain an active lifestyle.

How to Contact Lenses for Presbyopia Work? 

Multifocal contact lenses work by incorporating multiple optical zones within a single lens, each optimized for focusing light from specific distances. Bifocal contact lenses typically consist of two distinct optical powers, with one portion of the lens dedicated to distance vision and another for near vision. This design allows wearers to transition between the two zones by adjusting their gaze, accommodating tasks such as reading or driving without the need for separate glasses. Bifocal contact lenses are usually only seen in hard RGP-style contact lenses. Multifocal contact lenses, on the other hand, offer a more gradual transition between different optical powers, providing a seamless experience for wearers. These lenses utilize various optical designs, such as concentric rings, alternating zones, or blended designs, to combine multiple focal points within the same lens. By incorporating different optical powers, multifocal and bifocal contact lenses enable wearers to enjoy clear vision at various distances, enhancing convenience and functionality for individuals with presbyopia or other vision impairments.

What Are the Different Types of Multifocal Contact Lenses? 

Soft multifocal contact lenses offer a diverse range of options to address the varying needs of individuals with presbyopia. Among these options are lenses with concentric ring designs, such as Air Optix Multifocal or Total30 Multifocal. These lenses feature multiple rings of different optical powers, with each ring corresponding to a specific distance. By transitioning between these rings, wearers can achieve clear vision at various distances without the need for additional glasses. These lenses tend to provide very crisp optics for reading or working the computer. 

On the other hand, soft multifocal lenses also include aspheric lens designs like Total 1 Multifocal and Biofinity Multifocal. Aspheric lenses utilize a more gradual transition between different optical powers, providing a smoother and more natural visual experience. These lenses are designed to mimic the natural curvature of the eye, resulting in improved comfort and clarity for wearers in more dynamic visual situations. 

Key Considerations for Wearers:

While multifocal contact lenses offer significant advantages in terms of convenience and functionality, it's essential for wearers to consider several factors:

1. Adaptation Period: Adjusting to multifocal or bifocal contact lenses may take some time as wearers acclimate to the transition between different optical powers.

2. Prescription Accuracy: Ensuring the accuracy of the lens prescription is crucial for maximizing visual clarity and comfort.

3. See Your Optometrist: Before transitioning to multifocal or bifocal contact lenses, everyone should see their optometrist to determine the most suitable option based on their needs and eye health. Your optometrist is also best suited to fit you properly with the correct power contact lenses, which improves your chances of success. 

Alternative Methods for Correcting Near Vision

While multifocal contact lenses offer a convenient solution for addressing near vision problems, they may not be the perfect visual solution for everyone. Fortunately, several alternative methods are available to help individuals maintain clear vision at close range without the need for multifocal or bifocal contact lenses. Let's explore some of these options:

1. Monovision: Monovision contact lens fittings involve wearing a different prescription in each eye, with one eye corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. Typically, the dominant eye is corrected for distance, while the non-dominant eye is adjusted for near vision. This technique relies on the brain's ability to adapt to the differing prescriptions, allowing individuals to see clearly at both near and far distances. While some people adapt well to monovision, others may experience difficulty with depth perception or visual clarity, particularly in low-light conditions.

2. Using Reading Glasses Over Top of Distance Contact Lenses: For individuals who prefer to maintain their current distance contact lens prescription but need additional magnification for near-vision tasks, wearing reading glasses over their contact lenses can be an effective solution. This approach allows wearers to enjoy clear distance vision with their contacts while easily transitioning to enhanced near vision by donning reading glasses as needed. While it may seem like a straightforward solution, some individuals find the combination of contact lenses and reading glasses cumbersome or uncomfortable for extended periods. This is especially true with over-the-counter ready-made readers, so ask your optometrist for a separate prescription and get a comfortable pair made up at the optical. 

3. Purchasing a Pair of Bifocal or Progressive Eyeglasses: For those who prefer the simplicity of eyeglasses over contact lenses, bifocal or progressive glasses offer an alternative solution for correcting near vision. Bifocal lenses contain two distinct optical powers in a single lens, with the upper portion dedicated to distance vision and the lower portion for near vision. Progressive lenses, on the other hand, provide a seamless transition between distance and near vision without the visible line found in bifocals. While eyeglasses offer clear and consistent vision, some individuals may find them less convenient for activities that require freedom of movement or a wide field of view. As such, you may still wish to use distance contact lenses or bifocal or multifocal contact lenses for your sports and hobbies. 

Would You Like to Try Multifocal Contact Lenses? 

Multifocal contact lenses represent a remarkable advancement in vision correction technology, offering wearers the freedom and convenience to enjoy clear vision at all distances without switching between multiple pairs of glasses. At Edmonton's Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall, our team of experienced optometrists is dedicated to providing personalized eye care solutions tailored to your unique needs. If you're ready to experience the benefits of multifocal contact lenses firsthand, we encourage you to book an eye exam with us today. Let us help you see the world more clearly and comfortably with the latest innovative vision correction technology.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Stonewire Optometry eye care clinic in Kingsway Mall is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Stonewire Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.