How to Get Used to Bifocal Contacts

Bifocal contacts are designed for people with a condition known as presbyopia. The condition causes a person to hold reading materials away from her eyes to see clearly. The lenses have two prescriptions; one for distance and one for reading and seeing close up. However, first-time wearers must undergo a period of adjustment. Depending on your level of eye sensitivity, you can get used to your lenses in a matter of weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Contact lens solution
• Contact lens case

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for six weeks of adaptation. During this time, expect to visit your eye care practitioner for adjustments and fittings, which may require a modification of your prescription or a change in contact lens brands.

• 2

  Fit your right lens over your pupil, above your lower right eyelid. Shift your gaze downward to see through the lower, near-correction part of the lens. Shift your gaze upward to see through the higher, far-correction part of the lens.

• 3

  Read books regularly while wearing your bifocal contacts, so you can practice moving your eyes to look through the two different parts of the lens.

• 4

  Follow your wear schedule. For example, remove daily wear bifocal lenses before sleep. Only use extended wear bifocal contacts as directed. Overuse can cause eye strain and sensitivity.

• 5

  Give yourself time to adjust. It can take up to six weeks to get used to bifocal contact lenses, so be patient and practice adjusting to the functionality of the lenses.

• 6

  Contact your current eye care practitioner, if you experience pain and discomfort while wearing your bifocal contacts. Some glare and hazing is common, especially at night. If these symptoms prevent you from comfortably wearing your bifocal contacts, see a contact lens specialist. Together, you can decide if wearing bifocal contacts is right for you.