Nowadays, there are several types of contact lenses to correct presbyopia. These contact lenses allow you to see properly at all distances.
First, what is presbyopia?
Throughout life, the natural lens of the eye, called the crystalline lens, gradually loses its natural elasticity that allows us to move from distance vision to near vision. This function is called accommodation. Presbyopia is, in fact, the loss of accommodation. This is physiological and affects everyone after the age of 40.
Bifocal contact lenses
Bifocal contact lenses have two correction zones in the same lens. One zone is for near vision, and the other is for normal distance vision. The double correction helps with presbyopia.
What is the difference between bifocal and multifocal lenses?
Bifocal contact lenses have a clear demarcation between the zone that corrects near vision and the zone that corrects distance vision. The eye moves from one zone to another, just as it would with bifocal glasses. On the other hand, multifocal contact lenses gradually transition between the two zones (near and far).
The benefits of bifocal contact lenses:
- You gain high visual acuity for both near and far vision.
- No need to bring your reading glasses to a restaurant or anywhere else.
- They're similar to bifocals but with a shorter adaptation period.
The compromises of bifocal contact lenses:
- Bifocal contact lenses can impair depth perception.
- The eye must learn to move from one correction zone to another.
Advantages of multifocal lenses:
- A less clear demarcation between the different correction zones
- Better visual acuity for the near to far range
- The ability to see in most conditions without having to wear glasses in addition to the lenses
The compromises of multifocal contact lenses:
- More difficult to adapt to because the viewing experience is different
- Night halo effect and blurred or hazy vision during the adaptation period
- Higher price due to greater design complexity
Remember, the decision to wear contact lenses or switch over to a different type should be made with your trusted Optometrist. For your health, comfort and vision performance, it is important that the prescription and fitting of your contact lenses be an exact match to your eyes.
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