Key Takeaways
- Multifocal contact lenses have multiple prescription zones built into a single lens for clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
- They’re commonly used by people over 40 experiencing presbyopia.
- An adjustment period is normal when you first start wearing them.
- A contact lens exam can help confirm whether multifocal contacts are a good fit for your eyes.
Seeing Clearly at Every Distance
You reach for your phone, hold it at arm’s length, and still can’t quite read the text. If that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a common near vision issue called presbyopia. Reading glasses are fine, but at Forest City Optometry, we know that you may want to be able to see the menu at a restaurant and the road on the way there without switching from contact lenses to glasses.
The good news is that there’s a design of contact lenses for those with presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses are contact lenses with more than 1 prescription zone built in, so you can see clearly up close, at a mid-range distance, and far away, all without reaching for a pair of glasses. They’re designed for people who need correction at multiple distances and want the freedom to go about their day without switching between eyewear.
Multifocal Contacts Versus Regular Contacts
Standard single-vision contact lenses use one distance prescription. Multifocal contacts combine powers for more than one viewing distance in each lens.
Multifocal lenses contain zones or gradual power changes for near, intermediate, and distance vision. With time, your visual system learns to favour the clearest information for the task in front of you.
You may also hear the terms bifocal or segmented contact lens. Some rigid designs use distinct distance and near zones, while many modern soft multifocals use concentric or aspheric designs that present more than one focal range at once. The best design depends on your prescription and visual priorities.
How Multifocal Contact Lenses Work
The Zone System
Each multifocal lens distributes more than one power across its optical surface. Most soft designs use simultaneous vision: several focal ranges reach the eye at once, and the brain learns to emphasize the clearest image for the distance you are viewing. Segmented rigid designs work more like bifocal glasses and may rely on lens position when you look down to read.
3 Types of Multifocal Lenses
Not all multifocal contacts are the same. There are 3 main designs your eye doctor may consider recommending for you:
- Concentric: Alternating rings of near and distance prescriptions arranged in circles across the lens.
- Aspheric: A gradual blend from 1 prescription to another across the lens surface, similar to progressive glasses lenses.
- Segmented: A rigid gas-permeable design with the near-vision zone positioned at the bottom of the lens, similar to bifocal glasses.
The right design depends on your prescription, your eyes, and how you spend most of your day, which is why a contact lens exam can be so helpful.
Who Multifocal Contacts Are For
Presbyopia and Age-Related Vision Changes
After age 40, many people find it harder to focus on things up close. This is called presbyopia, and it happens when the lens inside your eye gradually becomes less flexible, which makes it harder to shift focus between distances. It’s a natural part of how eyes change over time, and multifocal contact lenses are one of the most practical ways to manage it.
Who May Not Be a Good Fit
Multifocal lenses aren’t the right choice for every person. Certain types of prescriptions, for example, may require a different approach. Our team always starts with a contact lens exam, so we can recommend whether multifocal contacts are the right choice for your eyes.
Pros and Cons of Multifocal Contacts
What Works Well
The biggest draw is convenience. You can read a menu, check your phone, and watch the game without picking up a pair of glasses. One lens covers multiple distances, which means fewer interruptions to your day.
Things to Know Before You Switch
Multifocal contacts do come with a learning curve. An adjustment period of a few days to a couple of weeks is common, and some people notice mild glare or slightly softer contrast in low light at first. Multifocal contact lenses also typically cost more than single-vision lenses, so that may be something to factor into your budget.
Many wearers adapt well, but some continue to notice compromises in very dim light or during fine-detail tasks. Follow-up visits allow the prescription, lens design, and fit to be refined rather than expecting you to tolerate persistent blur or discomfort.
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Exam
Getting fitted for multifocal contacts starts with a contact lens exam, which is a little different from a regular eye exam. A contact lens exam looks at the shape and health of your eyes, your prescription at each distance, and how different lens designs sit and perform on your eyes.
Book Your Visit Today
At Forest City Optometry, we’re proud to offer contact lens exams for people of all ages in London, Ontario. Whether you’re new to contacts or looking to switch from single-vision lenses, our team can help you find a fit that works for your vision and your daily routine. Book a contact lens fitting online and discover a more convenient approach to contact lenses.
