Bifocal contacts: a comprehensive guide to understanding and choosing the right option

They say you're only as old as you feel, but that's tough to remember when you're suddenly squinting at small print or struggling to read street signs as you drive around town. The good news is that you don't have to squint in silence. You can get bifocal contacts to improve your vision. Learn more about bifocal lenses and how they help you see the beauty around you.

What are bifocal contacts?

With traditional contacts, each lens is designed to help you focus at just one distance. This works well when you're younger, but as you get older, it becomes more difficult to focus your eyes. Each lens in a pair of bifocal contacts has two powers, allowing you to see at multiple distances. They don't give you X-ray vision, but they do correct age-related nearsightedness and farsightedness (presbyopia).

Getting bifocal lenses has several benefits — aside from improving your vision, of course. When you have bifocals, you don't have to buy a separate pair of glasses for reading. Your bank account will thank you — and so will your fashion sense. Instead of wandering around with glasses on a chain around your neck, you can strut through life like the cool cat you are.

Bifocal contacts are also an affordable alternative to surgery. Traditional LASIK only corrects your vision at one distance, but a variation known as monovision LASIK helps some people with presbyopia see more clearly. LASIK is effective, but it also costs much more than a pair of bifocal lenses. These lenses improve your vision without surgery.

How do bifocal contacts work?

When you look at something in the distance, your pupils get bigger. If you need to examine something up close, your pupils get smaller. Bifocal contacts have multiple zones of vision, which means they work with your natural pupil changes.

Types of bifocal contacts

Before you shop for bifocal contacts, take a minute to learn about the differences between simultaneous vision lenses and alternating vision lenses. Simultaneous vision lenses have both zones of vision — near and far — in front of your pupil at the same time.

You might think this would trip up your eyes, but the opposite is true. Your eyes quickly adjust, improving your vision at all distances. Simultaneous bifocal lenses have a concentric ring design, which puts the near or far power right in front of your pupils and then has multiple rings for near and distance vision moving outward from the center.

Alternating vision lenses have the distance power at the top and the near power at the bottom. When you look straight ahead, you can see faraway objects through the distance part of the lens. If you need to look at something up close, all you have to do is look down. This allows your pupil to adjust to the near power of the lens.

Factors to consider when choosing bifocal contacts

When it comes to contacts, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to think about your prescription, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences before choosing a pair. If you have severe presbyopia, you may benefit more from simultaneous bifocal lenses than alternating vision lenses. You may also need a specific type of lens if you have astigmatism, a natural curve in the front part of your eye. Talk with your eye care professional if you're not sure which contacts work best with your prescription.

Like other types of contacts, bifocal lenses are available in soft and gas-permeable (GP) varieties. Soft contacts are made from substances that absorb water. This makes them soft and flexible. Gas-permeable lenses are made from compounds that contain silicone — yes, the same material used to make breast implants. These compounds allow oxygen to pass through the lenses and to your eyes.

GP lenses are somewhat rigid, which allows for sharper vision correction. This makes them ideal for playing sports. If you don't like the feel of GP lenses, you may be able to get a hybrid pair, which combines the features of soft and rigid lenses, making them a little more comfortable.

Cost of bifocal contacts

"How much are bifocal contacts?" is a common question. Prices vary based on where you shop, which brand you're prescribed, and the type of contacts you prefer. For example, soft contacts are usually more expensive than GP lenses. You can also expect to pay more if you have astigmatism or severe presbyopia.

One way to save money on contacts is to use your vision insurance. Many plans cover less than 100%, but every little bit helps. Some manufacturers also offer discounts and other promotions, making contact lenses more affordable.

Take your vision to the next level

If it's time for bifocal lenses, consider contacts instead of glasses. They're available in several varieties, making it possible to find a comfortable pair that works with your prescription. Shop 1-800 Contacts to find your prescribed brand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear bifocal contacts if I have astigmatism?

Absolutely. Opticians can make bifocal contacts with a cylindrical power, which corrects for the natural curve in the front part of your eyes.

Can I sleep with bifocal contacts?

You shouldn't sleep with your contacts in unless you buy a pair designed for overnight use. When you sleep, you don't blink, which means it's easy for your contact lenses to dry out. Dryness causes itching and irritation, which may lead to blurring and other problems.

Are bifocal contacts available in daily disposable options?

Yes, you can buy a daily disposable version of your bifocal contacts. With dailies, you don't have to worry about disinfecting your lenses or soaking them overnight, making them more convenient than contacts designed to be worn for a full week or month at a time.

What’s the difference between multifocal and bifocal contacts?

While bifocal contacts have two powers and help you see clearly far away and up close, multifocal contacts act like progressive eyeglass lenses do and let you see clearly at multiple distances — near, far away, and at distances in between.