Multifocal Lens Vs. Continuous Vision Lens

If you suffer from both nearsightedness and farsightedness, multifocal and continuous vision lenses offer appropriate vision correction--but what is the difference? While multifocal lenses are available as glasses and contacts, continuous vision lenses require a surgical procedure for permanent implantation.

Multifocal Lenses

• Multifocal lenses have a unique design that corrects near vision in part of the lens and distance vision in another part of the lens, allowing seamless vision as your eyes transition from near objects to far objects.

Continuous Vision Lenses

• Continuous vision lenses are implants that give the wearer distance correction in one eye and near correction in the other, seamlessly combining the two for clear all-distance vision.

Conditions

• Both lenses treat presbyopia (nearsightedness due to aging), but continuous vision implants prevent cataracts from clouding vision, according to McDonald Eye Associates.

Considerations

• Individuals undergoing surgery to remove cataracts may opt for continuous vision implants at the same time, as this saves time, the additional cost will likely be small, and implants ensure cataracts will not return, according to McDonald Eye Associates.

Long-Term Consequences

• Continuous vision lenses offer constant, long-term vision correction, only requiring annual eye checkups. Multifocal lenses need occasional replacement, but they may be preferred if you do not want to undergo surgery.