Bifocal Contact Lens Problems

In the past, reading glasses or bifocals were the only options available for those who developed problems focusing on close objects. When bifocal contact lenses were first developed, early versions were not very effective and often led to frustration for many wearers. In spite of improvements and increased options in bifocal contacts, one may still experience problems.

Significance

• Bifocal contact lenses are an option for people who have a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia usually develops around age 40. People with this condition often notice a decreased ability to focus on close objects. This problem occurs because the crystalline lens on the eye that light is focused through can lose its elasticity with age. Sufferers find they need to hold newspapers and other items with small print farther away in order to read them.

Types of Bifocal Contacts

• There are many options available to those who want to correct presbyopia with contact lenses. Bifocal contact lenses are made with distinct rings or segments of power. Prescriptions to correct distance and near vision are on the same lens. Some bifocal lenses have one power on top and one on the bottom; others are made with concentric rings of different powers. Multifocal lenses are similar to bifocal, except they use a progressive or blended range of corrective powers throughout the lens. With time, the eye learns to focus through the power needed. Bifocal and multifocal contacts are available in soft and rigid (gas permeable styles).

Other Options

• Some individuals with presbyopia have better success improving their vision with other methods of contact lens wear. One technique called monovision involves using one lens for distance in one eye, and another lens for close vision in the other eye. A second technique known as modified monovision is sometimes used, in which the person wears a multifocal lens in one eye and wears a lens with one prescription in the other.

Considerations

• Finding the best bifocal contact lens for an individual can be more time-consuming and costly than with regular lenses. The wearer may need to try out a few different options over the span of several days to determine the most effective one. Some people conclude they don't see as well with soft bifocal lenses and have to adjust to rigid, gas-permeable lenses for better vision.

Solutions

• To find the best individual fit for bifocal contact lenses, an eye care practitioner must conduct a thorough eye examination. Two factors are the size of the pupil and the amount of correction needed for near vision. Because the wearer may need to try several different types of contacts to find the best choice, most eye care practices provide free trial lenses.