What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses And How They Can Help Aging Eyes
As we age, our eyesight undergoes various changes.
One common condition that affects people over the age of 40 is presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision.
This can be a major concern for the over 50s, as it can significantly impact their quality of life.
However, the good news is that thanks to advances in technology, there are now a variety of multifocal contact lenses available that can help tackle this issue.
Understanding Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a normal part of aging and affects everyone who lives long enough to develop it.
Typically, it sets in around the end of the fourth decade of life, even if you previously had perfect vision.
Presbyopia makes it more difficult to focus on objects up close due to changes in your eye’s crystalline lens.
If you’re over 50 and feel you need to hold menus and newspapers further away to help your eyes focus, you probably have presbyopia.
Multifocal Contact Lenses: A Viable Solution
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide both distance and near vision correction.
They work in a similar way as bifocal glasses, with different prescription zones on the lens, that allow you to see clearly at different distances.
They also offer a more natural-looking vision correction than bifocal or progressive glasses.
Types of Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses come in various forms, each designed to cater to specific needs and visual requirements:
Bifocal Contacts:
Bifocal contacts have two different prescription powers in the same lens, usually to correct myopia and presbyopia.
Trifocal Contacts:
Trifocal contacts are similar to bifocals but with three prescription powers.
Progressive Contacts:
Progressive contacts, also known as “no-line bifocals,” offer a smooth transition between different prescription powers.
Concentric Contacts:
Concentric contact lenses have rings of vision correction rather than sections from top to bottom.
Multifocal Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a common issue that older people face, especially among women over 50.
However, certain types of lenses and lens care can help with dry eye.
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye, it’s still possible to wear contact lenses. Opt for daily disposable soft contacts, which you wear for one day before throwing them away.
By wearing a brand new set of lenses each day, you can avoid the build-up of irritating debris.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Older patients who remember the early days of contact lenses associate cleaning with hassle.
Now, however, reusable contacts need little more than a daily rinse with a simple contact solution.
If you opt for daily disposable lenses, there’s no maintenance or cleaning required whatsoever.
Fitting Process for Multifocal Contact Lenses
The fitting process for multifocal contact lenses is much like that for single vision contacts.
Your eye doctor will measure your prescription for distance and near vision and will also determine the best fit for your eye shape.
It’s important to note that not all contact lenses are the same, and it may take a few attempts to find the best fit.
Multifocal Contact Lenses for the Middle Aged
As presbyopia can start to affect people in their 40s, multifocal lenses can be an effective solution for those who want to avoid the hassle of reading glasses. The science backs up their usefulness
Multifocal contact lenses can be a viable solution for the over 50s who are experiencing presbyopia.
They offer the convenience of not having to switch between glasses and contacts and can provide clear vision at all distances.
However, as with any vision correction solution, it’s important to discuss all your options with an eye care professional to find the best solution for your individual needs.
