Multifocal Contact Lenses – Are You a Candidate?

The subject of bifocals, reading glasses, and presbyopia the proper medical term for “your eyes are getting old” – or simply put “the inability to focus on near objects” is never easily swallowed. Presbyopia will occur in addition to myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism – but pure presbyopes only require a correction during close-up tasks.

Nearly half the population has one or more of these refractive errors. Fortunately all of them can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Advancements in lens design has made multi- focal contact lenses a viable option with increased success in the past several years. Many patients don’t even realize that bifocal contact lenses exist. Bifocals in both soft and rigid materials have been around for years.

To achieve a high success rate with multi-focals begin by discussing your visual needs for work and hobbies with your eye care practitioner. If you have already adapted to single vision contact lenses and only need occasional assistance for reading medicine bottles or threading a needle then monovision correction may be a consideration. This means of correction is achieved by fitting one eye (usually dominant) for distance and the other for near.

Generally when the reading correction is greater than +1.00 a bifocal contact lens is indicated. Ideal candidates are those already successfully wearing single vision contact lenses. These come in various designs, i.e. simultaneous vision designs, which present distance and near optical portions within the pupil at the same time. Concentric center near designs, aspheric center near designs and Multi-Zone designs to name a few more

Several physiologic changes in the eye are relevant to multi-focal lens wear, an eye exam will determine if you are a good candidate. The two major changes are in the lids and tear production. First being general lid tone, this is important for proper lens support and positioning, and affects the fit and visual performance of a multi-focal contact lens. Secondly is tear flow, this gradually decreases with age. Systemic medications or systemic conditions affecting tear film will influence the outcome of these designs and how well a lens fits.

The Best Candidates for Multi-focal Contact Lenses Are:
· Current contact lens wearers
· Young or emerging presbyopes with distance visual needs greater than + or – 1.00D
· Highly motivated
· Adaptable
· Computer users
· Good binocular function

Your eye care specialist will help you to determine which mode and contact lens design is best suited for your needs along with diagnostic trial lens fitting.