MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES

Yes, multifocal contact lenses are available. When patients notice they can no longer comfortably read with their distance glasses, a new prescription is required for comfortable near vision. They either use traditional bifocals (2 prescriptions in one lens), trifocals (3 prescriptions in one lens), progressive lenses (a smooth transition from distance to near in one lens), or a separate pair of glasses for reading.

Until recently, contact lens wearers had only one option to avoid using reading glasses: Monovision (wearing a contact lens that corrects one eye for distance and a contact lens in the other eye that corrects for reading). Although some patients find this works for them, others find it disorienting. In addition, monovision wearers have decreased abilities to judge distances. Good depth perception is best achieved by both eyes contributing equally.

Contact lens companies (both in soft and gas permeable materials) have developed excellent designs that can correct vision at all distances, therefore negating the use of glasses. The most successful of these designs act like a progressive lens and also provide intermediate vision.

Most patients that try them are thrilled that they do not need reading glasses anymore. As they are somewhat new, they are not available for all prescriptions. Call our office to see if you are a candidate for multifocal contact lenses.