Contacts and reading glasses: do you need both?

One day you're reading a text message like normal. The next, you're holding your phone at arm's length and wondering why restaurant menus suddenly seem to be printed in microscopic font. 

Welcome to presbyopia. That 19-point word is a fancy way of describing the natural way vision changes in middle age. After age 40, it’s common and normal for eyes to gradually lose their ability to focus on nearby objects. 

The good news? You don't have to choose between clear distance vision and clear near vision. Today's contact lens technology offers several options for people who want to keep wearing contacts while improving their reading and screen vision. 

Whether you're curious about multifocal contacts, bifocal contacts, progressive contact lenses, or simply wearing contacts and reading glasses together, here's what you need to know. 

What is presbyopia? 

Presbyopia is a normal age-related vision change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects. 

It happens because the natural lens inside your eye gradually becomes less flexible over time. As that flexibility decreases, your eyes have a harder time focusing on close-up tasks. This can look like 

• Holding books at arms’ length 

• Needing to increase the font size on your phone 

• Breaking out your phone flashlight to menus in dim restaurants 

• Eye strain during close-up tasks 

Most people begin noticing symptoms in their 40s, even if they've never needed glasses before. If you’ve started thinking it's time for a pair of “readers,” you're in good company. Presbyopia affects virtually everyone eventually, and there are plenty of ways to correct it. 

Options for correcting presbyopia with contact lenses 

There isn't one solution that works for everyone. Most people choose one of three approaches. 

Option 1: Wear contacts and reading glasses 

For many people, the simplest solution is to keep wearing their regular contact lenses and put on reading glasses when the need arises. Think bringing a pair of reading glasses to a restaurant so you can savor every tasty entree description on the menu. 

This can be a great option if: 

• You only occasionally need reading help 

• You want the sharpest possible reading vision 

• You don't mind carrying reading glasses 

Many people start here before trying other solutions.  

Option 2: Monovision 

Monovision uses different prescriptions in each eye. One eye is corrected for distance vision while the other is corrected for near vision. 

It sounds like a headache waiting to happen, but many people adapt surprisingly well. This is because the brain learns which eye to rely on for different tasks. 

Monovision works very well for some people, although others prefer the more balanced feel of multifocal lenses. 

Option 3: Multifocal contacts 

Multifocal contacts provide multiple vision corrections in a single lens. 

This allows many people to drive, read, work on a computer, use their phone, and perform everyday activities without switching between contacts and reading glasses. 

What are multifocal contacts? 

Multifocal contacts help you see clearly at multiple distances using a single lens, a convenient alternative to juggling multiple pairs of glasses. 

Instead of correcting only one focal point, multifocal contact lenses combine different prescription powers to correct vision at near, far, and even intermediate distances.  

Other names for multifocal contacts are bifocal and progressive contacts. If your eye care provider talks about bifocal contacts or progressive contacts, they're usually referring to the same category of lenses that are commonly marketed as multifocal contacts today. 

How do multifocal contacts work? 

Unlike traditional contact lenses that provide one prescription power, multifocal contacts contain multiple powers. Most use something called simultaneous vision. 

Rather than forcing you to look through separate sections of the lens like you would with bi-focal glasses, multifocal contacts layer in multiple focal powers at once. Your brain naturally learns to determine which image is most important based on what you're focusing on. 

There are two types of lens designs that harness the power of simultaneous vision, concentric and aspheric. 

Concentric designs 

Concentric multifocal contacts use alternating rings of near and distance prescriptions. 

Think of a bull's-eye pattern with multiple optical zones arranged in circles across the lens surface. Different rings help different viewing distances come into focus. 

Aspheric designs 

Aspheric multifocal lenses take a more gradual approach. Instead of separate prescription rings, the power gradually changes across the lens. 

This design is similar to progressive eyeglasses and is used in many of today's most popular multifocal contact lenses.

Can people with astigmatism wear multifocal contacts? 

Many people assume they can't wear multifocal contacts because they have astigmatism, but today's contact lens technology offers several options.  

Many eye doctors now prescribe multifocal toric lenses and other options designed to correct astigmatism while also helping with near vision caused by presbyopia. 

A proper contact lens fitting can help determine whether you're a good candidate. 

What are the downsides of multifocal contact lenses? 

Multifocal contacts work very well for many people, but they do involve some potential trade-offs. 

Possible downsides include: 

• An adjustment period 

• Slightly softer vision than single-vision contacts 

• Mild halos or glare around lights at night 

• Reduced contrast sensitivity in some situations 

• More trial-and-error during the fitting process 

The goal of multifocal contact lenses is to provide useful vision at all distances, rather than perfect vision at every distance.  

For many people, the convenience of a single lens is worth the compromise. 

How long does it take to adjust to multifocal contacts? 

One of the most common questions people ask is whether multifocal contacts are difficult to get used to. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, you might experience an adjustment period.  

Because multifocal contacts provide multiple focal points at the same time, your brain needs time to learn how to interpret the images. 

For many people, getting used to multifocal contacts can take anywhere from a few days to about two weeks. 

During that period, you may notice: 

• Slight blur at certain distances 

• Vision that feels different than single-vision contacts 

• Mild halos around lights at night 

• Occasional difficulty switching focus 

Most people find these effects improve significantly as they continue wearing the lenses. 

Why can't I read with my multifocal contact lenses? 

If you're struggling to read with multifocal contacts, it doesn't automatically mean they aren't working. 

Common reasons your near vision is still fuzzy include: 

• Your eyes are still adapting 

• The prescription needs adjustment 

• Dry eyes are affecting vision 

• Lighting conditions aren't ideal 

In some cases, your eye doctor can refine the prescription or lens design. 

Some multifocal wearers also keep a low-power pair of reading glasses nearby for very small print or extended reading sessions. 

Are multifocal contacts as good as reading glasses? 

Reading glasses are specifically designed to maximize near vision. Multifocal contacts are designed to balance multiple viewing distances throughout the day. 

If your goal is the sharpest possible reading vision, reading glasses may have an advantage. 

If your goal is convenience and flexibility, multifocal contacts may be the better choice. 

How much do multifocal contacts cost? 

Multifocal contacts generally cost more than standard single-vision contacts because they contain multiple prescription zones. 

The final cost depends on: 

• Brand 

• Prescription complexity 

• Lens material 

• Replacement schedule 

• Insurance coverage 

Many vision plans help cover multifocal contacts, so it's worth reviewing your benefits before deciding. 

Who is a good candidate for multifocal contacts? 

Multifocal contacts are often a good fit for people who: 

• Are experiencing presbyopia 

• Frequently switch between reading and distance tasks 

• Spend time on computers and digital devices 

• Want to reduce dependence on reading glasses 

• Have active lifestyles 

Many people with astigmatism can also wear multifocal contacts thanks to newer lens designs. 

However, they may not be ideal for everyone. Individuals with severe dry eye, certain corneal conditions, or specific visual demands may be better served by another approach. 

Ready to explore multifocal contacts? 

If you're noticing that menus seem smaller, text messages require more effort, or reading glasses are constantly appearing and disappearing around the house, multifocal contacts may be worth exploring. 

Today's multifocal contact lenses can help many people see clearly at near, intermediate, and distance ranges, all with a single lens. Explore multifocal contact options from 1-800 Contacts and find a solution that fits the way you live, work, and see.