What are multifocal contact lenses?

Multifocal (or progressive or bifocal) contact lenses are the Hermione Grangers of vision correction — doing three things at once and quietly saving your life while everyone else fumbles with their reading glasses. They’re for presbyopia, an eye condition that shows up like an uninvited sequel around age 40, making objects look fuzzy close-up. 

These contacts have more than one prescription in each lens so you can read your messages and track your friend’s chaotic dance moves all at the same time. Because nothing says you’re thriving like stylish, invisible vision correction (instead of wearing two pairs of glasses around your neck like it’s 1974).

To pull this off, multifocal lenses use layered zones of power baked into the lens — kind of like a lasagna, if lasagna could help you read fine print and spot your Uber simultaneously. Let’s break it down.

How do multifocal contact lenses work?

Short version? They work like optometry-approved magic. The kind of magic that lets you glance at your phone, find the exit sign, and make eye contact with your friend across the car park without squinting through lenses the size of saucers.

Longer version? Multifocal contact lenses use carefully designed zones of power to combat the effects of presbyopia. When you look at something, your brain gets to pick the clearest version from what your eye sees. 

These lenses usually follow one of two design philosophies:

• Simultaneous vision lenses, which present all distances (near, far, intermediate) to your eye at the same time, like a visual buffet

• Segmented or translating lenses, where your eye physically moves between zones — usually found in rigid gas-permeable lenses

No matter the design, these lenses are like tiny command centers, running real-time calculations every time you glance between your phone and the person talking to you.

And the wild part? You’re not consciously doing any of this. You just … see.

Types of multifocal lenses

Multifocal designs can suit different eye shapes and vision needs. Here are the three main types. 

Segmented

A segmented multifocal contact has sharply delineated areas for its different prescriptions.  

Its upper section may be designed for seeing faraway objects, while its lower part is dedicated to nearer vision. It would also be flattened at the bottom to keep it from rotating on the eye.  

This is the design most often referred to as “bifocal contacts,” as the lenses closely resemble bifocal glasses. The multifocal segmented design is only available with RGP contact lenses. 

Concentric

As the name reveals, concentric multifocals have multiple rings, each with its own power.  

Where the distance and near powers are located varies depending on the lens material (RGP or soft) and whether the lens accounts for dominant and non-dominant eyes.  

A soft multifocal lens might feature the near power in the center and have alternating rings of distant and near prescriptions as it goes out. An RGP lens may reverse this layout.  

This concentric design has become the most common for multifocal lenses. 

Aspheric

These lenses are like progressive eyeglasses.  

They feature a gradual transition between near and far powers across their surfaces. There are no clear lines marking where one power stops and the other begins.  

As your eye rotates, it finds the right areas within the lens to get the sharpest image. Astigmatism lenses have aspheric designs that may include multifocal prescriptions. 

Simultaneous vision contacts 

Aspheric and concentric-designed lenses are known as simultaneous vision contacts.  

They're grouped together because the eye has access to multiple powers at the same time, instead of needing to actively move to a certain region like segmented RGP lenses do.  

No matter the specific design type of a multifocal lens, the purpose is the same: treat multiple vision conditions.  

What’s the difference between multifocal and regular contact lenses?

Multifocal lenses multitask. Regular lenses monogamously focus on one issue at a time.

Regular contacts correct near- or farsightedness, but not both. If you're wearing single-vision lenses, you could correct presbyopia by using reading glasses for up-close work (like deciphering the back of a vitamin bottle or reading a recipe mid-boil).

Multifocals, on the other hand, are designed for people who need different prescriptions at different distances.

Benefits of multifocal lenses

Let’s look at the top perks of multifocals:

1. Hands-free reading: No more digging for your readers or borrowing someone else’s just to read a label.

2. Smooth vision transitions: You go from phone screen to street signs without your eyes throwing a tantrum.

3. Fewer visual interruptions: Unlike bifocal glasses, there's no hard line. Just a seamless field of view that keeps up with your multitasking.

4. Aesthetic freedom: They’re invisible. No more glasses slipping down your nose or fogging up when you breathe.

5. One pair, all day: Whether you’re at work, at brunch, or chasing your kid down the hallway with a sock puppet, your vision’s covered.

What are the disadvantages of multifocal contact lenses?

Okay, even magical eyeball tech has some fine print. Some disadvantages of multifocals include:

1. Slight clarity loss: Sometimes you trade a bit of visual sharpness for the convenience of all-in-one vision correction. It’s like listening to music on Bluetooth vs. vinyl. Mostly the same, but a trained eye might notice.

2. Learning curve: Your brain needs a minute (or several days) to adapt to juggling multiple focal points. 

3. Possible glare or halos: Especially around headlights at night — think J.J. Abrams lens flare but without the cinematic soundtrack.

4. Cost: Multifocals can be more expensive than single-vision lenses. But when you factor in the freedom, it balances out for many people.

Some folks just can’t adjust. If that’s you, no shame, there are other options (including monovision lenses).

Can you drive at night with multifocal contact lenses?

Yes, you can drive at night with multifocals, but wait a little before trying. Some people notice halos or light scatter when their eyes adjust to the lenses. If you’re seeing ghost headlights or space opera-style flares, check with your eye care professional.

Struggling with multifocal contact lenses?

Multifocals can take a hot second to feel right if your brain’s been operating in single-vision mode for decades.

Here’s what might be going on (and what to do about it):

• Blurry up close or far away: This can be normal during the adjustment period. Try wearing them for a few hours at home before taking them out on the town.

• Dry or irritated eyes: Switch to dailies or add rewetting drops. You might also try a different lens material.

• Visual fatigue or headaches: You might have the wrong fit or lens power. Book a quick follow-up with your eye care professional for fine-tuning.

• Ghosting or double vision. That’s not your haunted apartment — it’s your brain trying to sort through competing focal zones. Again, it should resolve within a couple of days.

Best multifocal contact lenses

So, which brands are people actually loving (and ordering on repeat)?

• DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal: These feel like you’re wearing nothing and are great for dry eyes and fans of all-day comfort.

• Biofinity Multifocal: These monthly lenses don’t feel like you’re stretching out an old pair of socks. They're comfortable, breathable, and built to last.

• AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® Multifocal: These offer all the hydration, plus crisp vision for people who’ve tried everything and still squint at dinner.

Think multifocals might be your eyeballs’ new BFFs? Good call. Your eye care professional can tell you exactly which brand and fit your eyes need. Once you’ve got that, we’ve got you.

Order your prescribed multifocal lenses today. 

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

FAQs

Still have questions? Well, we've got answers! 

How do progressive contacts work?

Progressive contacts are another name for multifocal lenses. They blend different prescriptions together in one lens, giving you clear vision at various distances without visible lines (or switching pairs). It’s like having invisible bifocals with way less grandpa energy.

Are multifocal contact lenses good for computer use?

Yes! Many people love them for screen-heavy days because they correct intermediate vision (that not-too-far, not-too-close zone where your laptop lives). Just make sure your prescription includes that range.

What if multifocal lenses just don’t work for me?

If you’ve given them a fair shot and still feel like your eyes are in a funhouse mirror, ask your eye care professional about monovision or modified multifocal setups. Everyone’s brain is different — so your lenses should be too.

 

Originally published: 8/27/2020

Updated: 10/28/2025