All about multifocal contacts
Getting multifocal contacts for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Swapping from a simple spherical prescription to a new prescription with a bunch of weird numbers – yeah, it can be a lot.
No worries though, we’ve got your back. We’re here to make learning about your new multifocal contacts as easy as possible.
The basics
Multifocal contacts are designed to correct multiple vision problems simultaneously. One of their most common use cases is the correction of myopia along with presbyopia. Multifocal lenses can also correct astigmatism as well.
These types of contacts use to only be available in hard contacts (rigid gas permeable lenses), but due to modern innovation, multifocal lenses can now be made as soft contacts. There are more options for you now than ever before.
Now, you may still be exploring multifocal options with your eye doctor. Or you may already have a prescription for them. Either way, let’s look at what benefits multifocal contacts offer and how they differ from standard contacts.
What are the types of multifocal contacts?
There are three main designs for multifocal lenses. Each design offers a different way to solve your specific vision problems.
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 then 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 one 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 off where one power stops and the other begins.
As your eye rotates, it will find 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 are 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 more than one vision condition present in the eye.
Soft vs. hard multifocal contacts
Soft contacts (silicone hydrogel) have really taken over the world. They are the definitive contact lens for most contact lens wearers. While they are amazing and often much more comfortable than RGP lenses, there are some benefits to sticking with hard contacts when it comes to multifocal lenses.
RGP multifocal contact lenses have the benefit of providing clearer, crisper vision along with improved durability. Unfortunately, multifocal RGP contact lenses sacrifice comfort and adaptability for those benefits.
Soft multifocal contacts are easier to adjust to and provide more comfort to the wearer. They are not as durable as RGP lenses unfortunately and need to be replaced regularly.
Whether you go with a soft or hard multifocal lens will be decided by your eye doctor. They’ll be able to assess your eye health needs and determine which type of multifocal contact will fit your needs best.
Adjusting to your new lenses
When you’re ready to take the plunge and get your first order of multifocal contacts – we’re available 24/7 to help. We have all our multifocal options listed on our site and live agents are ready to help if you have any questions.
Once you have your first pair of lenses, just be aware there will likely be an adjustment period. Your eyes are amazing and incredibly adaptable, but they need time. If you’re patient, your eyes will reward you with amazing 20/20 vision again. At that point, it’s officially time to say goodbye to your readers!
Originally published: 8/27/2020
Updated: 3/6/2023