Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses address presbyopia.
Presbyopia is short-sightedness that starts at around the age of 40. Read more on presbyopia.
Multifocal contact lenses correct presbyopia by offering both distance vision correction and near vision correction. These contact lenses can accommodate multiple different prescriptions in a single lens so that the wearer can focus clearly on objects at a wide range of distances, whether they are reading or driving. There are even multifocal contact lenses that will also correct astigmatism. These lenses have to be worn over the eye and removed for use. This is not the same as a Multifocal INTRAOCULAR lens which is implanted inside the eye surgically.
1. Multifocal lenses offer vision at three focal points:
i. one for reading and up-close correction
ii. Intermediate vision
iii. Distance
2. What’s the difference between multifocal and bifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses have a smooth and gradual transition between the prescription for reading and seeing things close up, the prescription for normal distance, and viewing things far off in the distance – very much like progressive eyeglasses.
Bifocals contact lenses, on the contrary, have an abrupt difference in the line between the near and normal vision prescription areas of the lens.
Types of multifocal depend on the following criteria
MATERIAL
i. Soft contact lenses: for a comfortable wearing experience
ii. Rigid gas permeable: or GP lenses for crisp vision.
iii. Hybrid lenses: a combination of soft material at the periphery with GP material at center to correct presbyopia with corneal astigmatism.
REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE and USAGE
i. Monthly disposable contact lenses: these can be used for 1 month and are pocket friendly.
ii. 15-day disposable: 1 pair of lenses can be used for 15 days, these are high oxygen lenses.
iii. Daily disposable contact lenses: single-use lenses best for daily wear users, occasion wear or sportspersons. This option expensive but based on the material of the lens and the minimal maintenance this is the best option for all
iv. Extended-wear lenses: these can be used overnight without removing which we do not recommend.
Who can use Multifocal contact lenses?
i. Patients near 40 years of age finding difficult to focus near, intermediate, and distant objects.
ii. Patients not wanted to wear spectacles due to cosmetic concerns.
iii. Patients with adaptation issues when using bifocals and progressive spectacle.
iv. Patient with aesthetic concern.
v. Sportsmen and athletes.
How to choose the correct type of contact lenses as there are many brands available in market? Visit your eye doctor/optometrist who is specialized in contact lenses. There is a lot of maths and science involved in prescribing the correct brand of contact lenses.
It depends on:
i. Your spectacle prescription
ii. Corneal curvatures: Size and shape of the cornea
iii. Lifestyle of patients
iv. Underlying medical conditions if any
v. Professional requirement
vi. Hobbies
vii. Working environment.
Contraindication
i. High refractive error
ii. Dry eye
iii. Highway Night drivers
iv. Paralyzed patient
v. Amblyopic patients
vi. High-degree squint.
Advantages of multifocal contact lenses
i. Reduced dependency on glasses.
ii. focusing all distances becomes easy.
iii. Better in the current situation as spectacle fogs up due to mask usage.
Disadvantages may sometimes persist in spite of a personalized fitting. They may be:
i. Glares and halos
ii. Decrease sharpness in focusing.
iii. You may need a low-power glass for reading occasionally.
iv. Decrease Visual Contrast and depth perception
v. Cost
vi. Optical inconsistencies like shadows or blurring in low illumination conditions.
vii. Adaptation issues
How to order my multifocal contact lenses?
Visit your eye doctor or optometrist they will conduct a comprehensive eye test and depending on above mention point, they will first place a trial pai
After fitting the trial pair doctor/optometrist will check Vision at all three distances,
Movement of lenses, and fitting of lenses as per corneal curvature.
Once everything is good, teaching instructions for all new and even old contact lens wearers is a must.
Care and hygiene are most important for the best visual and comfortable experience.
To schedule your appointment for Multifocal contact lenses call +919511924124. Shraddha Shah is a head optometrist, contact lens specialist, and Vision stimulation expert. She can assist you with further questions and guidance
By Optometrist Shraddha Shah