The experience of seeing clearly far away with contact lenses, only to find near tasks suddenly blurry, is common for many adults. This shift typically begins when tasks like reading a menu, looking at a phone screen, or performing detailed craftwork become challenging. For those who rely on contact lenses for daily vision correction, this development raises a question about combining visual aids. The answer is yes; integrating reading glasses into a routine that already includes distance-correcting contacts is a widely accepted and frequently necessary practice.
The Physiological Reason for Dual Correction
The requirement for two different types of vision correction stems from a natural, age-related change in the eye’s focusing ability. This condition occurs because the crystalline lens inside the eye gradually loses its flexibility over time. When we are young, the lens is soft and elastic, easily changing shape—a process called accommodation—to focus light precisely onto the retina for objects at varying distances.
This loss of elasticity means the lens can no longer provide the necessary focusing power for close-up viewing. Standard contact lenses correct existing refractive errors by altering the path of light entering the eye. They successfully shift the focal point for distant objects but do nothing to restore the lens’s ability to change shape for near objects. Consequently, a separate, magnifying power is needed to compensate for the stiffening of the internal lens.
Combining Contacts and Over-the-Counter Readers
The most direct and often simplest solution for near vision difficulty is to wear over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses over existing distance-correcting contact lenses. This method is safe and offers the sharpest possible vision at both distances, as the contact lenses handle the far vision correction and the glasses add the specific power needed for close work. This combination is especially practical for activities that require intense, short-term focus on fine print or small details.
When selecting OTC reading glasses, the power needed is based on the additional focusing strength your eye requires for near tasks, independent of your contact lens prescription. OTC readers are typically available in power increments of 0.25 diopters, ranging from +1.00 to around +3.50. A good starting point is to try the lowest available power, such as +1.00, and then increase the strength until small print is comfortably clear at a normal reading distance of 14 to 16 inches.
Since your contact lenses are already correcting your distance vision to zero, you do not need to factor in your contact lens power when choosing readers. It is highly recommended to perform a trial-and-error test while wearing your contacts, using a book or phone screen with small text to ensure comfort. While convenient, this method does involve the practical inconvenience of having to put on and take off the reading glasses throughout the day. For those who spend prolonged periods on tasks like computer work, a slightly lower power reader may be preferred to achieve a comfortable focus at arm’s length.
Specialized Contact Lens Alternatives
For individuals who find the routine of carrying and wearing readers inconvenient, specialized contact lenses offer a more seamless approach to correcting both distance and near vision simultaneously. These advanced options integrate multiple prescriptions into a single lens, allowing both eyes to work together without the need for glasses. However, these solutions require a professional fitting and adaptation period.
One option is the multifocal or bifocal contact lens, which is engineered with different zones of power arranged across the lens surface. Common designs include concentric rings, where alternating zones correct for near and distance vision, or aspheric designs that feature a gradual power change from the center to the edge. These lenses utilize a principle called simultaneous vision, meaning the brain receives both the near and distance images at the same time. The brain learns to selectively focus on the clear image corresponding to the object of interest.
Another alternative is monovision correction, which uses two different single-vision contact lenses, one for each eye. The dominant eye is fitted with a lens that corrects for distance vision, while the non-dominant eye is corrected for near vision. The brain quickly adapts to this purposeful imbalance, automatically favoring the image from the eye that provides the clearest focus for the task at hand. This method is often successful, though some people may experience a temporary reduction in depth perception or struggle with the adjustment period. Both specialized contact lens options offer freedom from reading glasses but necessitate a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an eye care professional.