Multifocal and Bifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal lenses are suitable for people who have presbyopia. A common condition, the telltale sign of presbyopia is trouble focusing on reading material at short distances.

Traditionally, bifocal contact lenses, as opposed to spectacles, have not been very popular. They need some adapting to and many people have found them difficult to use. However, recent product developments have encouraged many more people than ever before to use them. Many eyecare practitioners may have free samples of these lenses to try out before purchase.

Multifocal contacts include bifocal lenses (with two powers) and lenses with more than two powers. In an aspheric lens, the strength in the middle of the lens is different than that toward the edge (similar to progressive spectacle lenses). A concentric lens, meanwhile, has separate rings of powers. This type of lens can be used both to aid reading and to see distant objects clearly. They are available as monthly or daily disposable lenses.

Pros/Cons:

• Multifocal lenses have progressive powers which can help to see objects near and far.
• More expensive than ordinary lenses