About Contact Lenses for Old People

While contact lens use for older people may involve a bit more patience and care in their selection and usage, good vision without eyeglasses is possible for this age group.

Baby Boomers

• The generation that did not trust anybody over the age of 30 is now moving past the average age of 60. But they are still not interested in looking any older than they absolutely have to. Contact lenses are a prime way to help these reluctant seniors keep a younger look.

Multi-focals

• In previous technological incarnations, contact lenses were good for one visual correction. These days, contact lenses help users see far away and up-close with the same lens. The design of the lenses is created so that users look through various parts of the lens to view different distances.

Monovision

• For those who can't quite get comfortable in multi-focal contact lenses, there is another option that meets the needs of older wearers who need correction for both distance and close-up. With monovision contact lenses, wearers can have a contact lens in one eye that corrects near vision, and another contact in the other eye that corrects distance vision.

Mixed Use

• Thanks to expanded technology in the contact lens arena, disposable contact lenses are a comfortable and affordable option that can help keep active seniors on the move for sporting activities or special events. Afterward, the contact lenses can be thrown away in favor of eyeglasses or a fresh pair.

Potential Challenges

• While there is no upper age level for contact lens use, arthritic fingers can sometimes hinder the ability to insert and remove contact lenses. Older people also have an increased likelihood of dry eyes, which would contribute to wearing-discomfort. Finally, those who suffer from memory loss or age-related dementia may not be the best candidates for contact lenses due to the challenges of care and maintenance of contact lenses.