Am I a Candidate for Bifocal Contacts?

Am I a Candidate for Bifocal Contacts?

Bifocal contact lenses are very similar to bifocal prescription glasses in that they offer two different prescriptions in a single contact lenses. One of these prescriptions is to correct near vision, enabling the wearer to see clearly for activities such as reading or doing close-up work. The other prescription is for normal, distance vision and means that they will be able to see objects further away (around 20 feet) clearly too.

Segmented bifocal contact lenses have a nearly invisible line that separates the near and distance vision sections, with the top usually reserved for distance vision and the bottom for near sight. This makes them a little different to multifocal lenses, which don’t have a distinct line between the two different zones. Concentric bifocal lenses have a circular design that separates out the two distances.

But, with so many different types of contact lenses available, how do you know if bifocal lenses are the right choice for you? Let’s find out more.

Types of Bifocal Contact Lenses

There are multiple different types of bifocal contact lens, meaning that there is almost certainly a variety to suit the needs of every patient should they wish to wear them. The most common types of bifocal contact lens include:

• Soft lenses. Made from very soft, flexible and breathable plastic, they let oxygen flow through them and reach the surface of your eyes. Some brands are made from silicone hydrogel.

• Rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses. Firmer and more durable than soft contact lenses, this type are often considered easier to handle and offer very clear, concise vision.

• Extended wear contact lenses. Available as soft style lenses, these can be worn for up to 30 days (not overnight) before being changed for a new pair.

Am I a Candidate for Bifocal Contact Lenses?

It takes a special type of person to be a good candidate for bifocal contact lenses. That’s because this lens is designed primarily for people with a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia predominantly affects people over the age of 40, and is characterised by a natural decline in your ability to focus on nearby object. This age-related change is caused by the lens of the eye starting to harden, making it less able to make the micro-adjustments needed for clear, close-up focus.

Bifocal lenses are versatile too, and this means that can sometimes be recommended for patients who have astigmatism (where their eye is shaped more like a football than a soccer ball).

If you have been told by your eye doctor that you are developing presbyopia and you start to need to wear different glasses for reading than you do for distance vision, you could be a good candidate for bifocal contact lenses. They offer all of the same convenience as regular glasses, with the added bonus of only needing a single pair to see clearly and optimally at all distances.

If you would like to find out more about bifocal lenses, or to establish if you are a good candidate for bifocal contacts, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our friendly eyecare experts.