Best contact lenses for presbyopia
Middle age tends to creep up on you. First, you notice a few strands of gray hair, then a creaky joint or two, and finally, you start holding books at arm's length just to find out what your favorite authors have to say. That last one is a sign of presbyopia, a vision condition that affects your ability to focus.
While there's no magic spell to ward off middle age (even if you're Harry Potter), there are contact lenses for presbyopia to help you see clearly. Learn more about your options.
Understanding presbyopia and contact lens options
Presbyopia is a condition that makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects. It's normal to develop this condition as you age, so most people start experiencing symptoms in their 40s. Over time, the symptoms usually worsen, resulting in headaches and eyestrain when you try to read or focus on objects close to you.
Contact lens solutions for presbyopia
If horn-rimmed glasses aren't your jam, you're in luck. Many manufacturers make contact lenses designed for users with presbyopia. Your options include monovision lenses, bifocal lenses, and multifocal lenses.
Features of the best contact lenses for presbyopia
Presbyopia contact lenses help you see better, but each type offers a different set of advantages. Here's how multifocal lenses stack up against monovision lenses.
Multifocal contact lenses
Multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia combine several prescriptions into a single pair of lenses. As a result, multifocal lenses correct your near vision, your distance vision, and your middle vision — all without the lines characteristic of bifocals.
Using multifocal lenses has the following benefits:
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You can see clearly no matter what you're doing.
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You don't have to use reading glasses to see things up close.
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You don't have to worry about "image jumps," which occur when your vision moves from one section of a bifocal lens to the other.
Monovision contact lenses
Monovision lenses are a bit different. Instead of combining multiple prescriptions into one lens, monovision contacts correct one eye for near vision and one eye for distance vision. Although monovision lenses are highly effective, it does take time to adapt to them. If you have trouble adapting, your eye care professional may recommend switching to the multifocal version.
Top contact lenses for presbyopia in 2024
If you've always wanted to wear contact lenses, presbyopia is no longer an obstacle. Try one of the leading brands for 2024.
ACUVUE® Oasys for presbyopia
ACUVUE Oasys contact lenses are one of the best options for people with presbyopia. Each pair uses Hydraclear Plus to maximize your comfort. Oasys lenses also block 95% of UVA-1 rays and more than 99% of UVB rays, protecting your eyes from sun-related damage. Best of all, Hydraclear Plus keeps your eyes moist.
Other leading brands and models
Bausch & Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses have a three-zone progressive design to ensure a seamless experience. MoistureSeal® technology allows air to circulate, keeping your eyes nice and moist. Biotrue ONEday contacts use nesofilcon A, a relatively new material, to enhance comfort. ONEday lenses are designed to work with your natural blink patterns, reducing annoying glare and halos.
Manufacturers are always coming up with new ways to make lenses more comfortable while correcting near, middle, and distance vision. Keep an eye out for contacts made with silicone hydrogel, nesofilcon A, senofilcon A, and other advanced materials.
Choosing the right contact lenses for your presbyopia
Before you buy a pair of contact lenses for presbyopia, consider these factors.
Factors to consider
Comfort is one of the most important criteria. You wouldn't buy any old couch for your living room, so why would you pick contacts without keeping comfort in mind? If you're not sure which material is best for your needs, consult an eye care professional.
You also need to consider your vision needs and lifestyle. If you think having a line in the middle of each lens would drive you crazy, bifocal lenses probably aren't the right choice. Monovision contacts are a good fit if you don't mind carrying reading glasses, but multifocal lenses are ideal if you have an active lifestyle (pickleball, anyone?) and don't want to stop what you're doing to put on a different pair of lenses.
Explore your lens options
To find the best lenses for your needs, think about your lifestyle and your desired level of comfort. Then, see an eye care professional for a thorough exam and guidance on choosing the right contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Can contact lenses for presbyopia be worn overnight?
It depends on which brand you use. Many manufacturers now offer presbyopia contact lenses designed for overnight wear.
What should I do if I struggle with comfort while wearing presbyopia lenses?
If you struggle with comfort while wearing presbyopia lenses, contact an eye care professional. Although it takes time to adapt to monovision lenses, your contacts should improve your vision without causing discomfort.
What are the main differences between bifocal and multifocal contact lenses?
The main difference between bifocal and multifocal contact lenses is that multifocal contacts don't have a line distinguishing one prescription from the other. Instead, multifocal lenses combine multiple prescriptions into a single lens.