Bifocal Contact Lens Information

Contact lenses are medical devices used to correct a variety of vision problems. They are available by prescription only, and must be fitted by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Bifocal contact lenses are used to treat patients who have vision problems caused by more than one condition. This often includes difficulty in seeing objects at a distance combined with difficultly reading or viewing objects close up.

Function

• Bifocal contact lenses can function in one of three different ways. Translating lenses work like regular bifocals. The lens is divided in half, with a near prescription along the bottom and a far prescription at the top. Users must shift their gaze up or down to change prescription. Cocentric lenses have a prescription in the center of the lens for viewing things close-up, while the remainder of the lens allows viewers to see far objects. Monovision lenses give users a different prescription for each eye, one for near viewing and one for far.

Benefits

• Bifocal contact lenses offer a number of benefits. Most significantly, they allow bifocal eyeglass wearers to improve their vision without the use of glasses. This can allow users to be more active, and not worry about losing or breaking their lenses. Bifocal lenses are also a convenient way to combine regular eyeglasses and separate reading glasses. People who have trouble with bifocal lenses may have an easier time with contacts due to the different technologies available with these lenses.

Drawbacks

• Despite their convenience, bifocal contact lenses also have some drawbacks that users should consider. They often take time to get used to, no matter which type of lens is chosen. Those with monovision lenses may experience problems with depth perception, which can lead to trouble driving or performing other activities. Finally, contact lenses can be more expensive than glasses over time. This is especially true for those who choose disposable lenses, or frequently lose or damage their lenses.

Types

• There are a number of different materials used to make these lenses. The most commonly used is silicone or soft plastic. Another option is a rigid gas permeable (GP) lens. GP lenses tend to be less comfortable due to their rigidity. This rigid quality makes them a good material for use with translating lenses, as it helps the lens stay in place. These lenses are available in long wear or disposable varieties and must be removed and cleaned each night. Bifocal contacts made from silicone hydrogel can be worn safely for up to 30 days without removal or cleaning.

Considerations

• Most contact lens or eyeglass wearers are good candidates for bifocal lenses, though only an eye doctor can confirm this. Bifocal contacts are a common solution to age-related presbyopia, or difficulty with reading items up close. They can also be worn by those with mixed prescriptions, or with different prescriptions in each eye. Those with astigmatism, large pupils, or very poor vision may not be good candidates for these lenses.