Multifocal contact lenses are an effective vision correction option designed to address presbyopia, the common age-related condition that causes difficulty focusing on close-up objects. This occurs when the eye’s lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it challenging to shift focus from distant to near viewing. Multifocal contacts incorporate multiple prescription strengths within a single lens, allowing wearers to see clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances without needing separate reading glasses. These lenses offer a seamless solution for managing this change in vision. Finding the best option is highly individualized, requiring an understanding of the available lens designs and personal wearing needs.
How Multifocal Lens Designs Work
The functionality of multifocal contacts is achieved through sophisticated optical engineering that places different focal powers across the lens surface. The two main categories of design are simultaneous vision and translating vision. Simultaneous vision designs, which are the most common in soft contact lenses, allow the eye to receive light from both distance and near focal points simultaneously. The brain then learns to instinctively select the image that is in focus for the task at hand.
Within the simultaneous vision category, two primary structures exist: concentric and aspheric designs. Concentric lenses feature a bullseye pattern of alternating rings, where zones for distance and near vision are arranged around a common center. Aspheric designs, similar to progressive eyeglasses, use a gradual change in power across the lens surface, blending the prescription from the center to the edge.
Translating, or segmented, designs are typically found in rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. These lenses have distinct, separated zones for distance and near vision, often with the near segment located at the bottom. The lens is designed to shift upward when the wearer looks down to read, allowing the pupil to align with the near vision segment. Segmented lenses are held in place by a ballast system or thicker lower edge, which prevents rotation.
Essential Considerations When Choosing Lenses
Selecting the right multifocal lens involves practical considerations beyond the optical design, beginning with the lens material itself. Traditional hydrogel lenses are water-based, offering natural comfort, and are often a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive or mild dry eyes. Newer silicone hydrogel materials are engineered with silicone compounds that allow significantly more oxygen to pass through to the cornea. This increased oxygen transmissibility promotes better eye health and makes silicone hydrogel lenses more suitable for longer or extended wear schedules.
The wear schedule is another practical factor, with options generally falling into daily disposable or bi-weekly/monthly replacement categories. Daily disposable lenses offer the highest level of convenience and hygiene, as a fresh, sterile pair is used each day, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions. Monthly or bi-weekly lenses are often more cost-effective over time, but they require diligent daily cleaning and storage to prevent deposit buildup and maintain comfort.
The professional fitting is the most important step in the selection process, as the best lens depends entirely on individual eye physiology and lifestyle needs. Unlike single-vision lenses, multifocals require precise measurements of pupil size, eye curvature, and tear film quality to determine the optimal design and power distribution. This often involves a trial period where the eye care professional evaluates the lens performance under various lighting conditions and distances. Multifocal contact lenses are typically more expensive than single-vision lenses due to the complexity of the design and fitting process.
Highly Recommended Multifocal Lens Options
Several commercially available multifocal lenses stand out for their specific design execution and patient satisfaction, directly addressing the need for combined near and distance correction.
- The DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal is a popular daily disposable option, featuring a water gradient material that approaches 100% water content at the lens surface for exceptional all-day comfort. This lens uses an aspheric design that transitions power smoothly from the center, often preferred for its seamless visual experience.
- The Biofinity Multifocal is a highly regarded monthly replacement lens made from a comfortable silicone hydrogel material. It utilizes CooperVision’s Balanced Progressive Technology, which tailors multiple correction zones within each lens to the wearer’s specific prescription needs.
- The Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Presbyopia is also a monthly silicone hydrogel lens known for its MoistureSeal technology. This helps the lens maintain 95% of its moisture for up to 16 hours, making it a strong choice for individuals who spend extended periods using digital screens.
- For wearers who prefer the convenience of a daily lens with a sophisticated design, the 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal is notable for its customized optical design. This lens considers the natural variation in pupil size that occurs with age and across different prescriptions, optimizing the power zones for each individual.
- The Air Optix Aqua HydraGlyde Multifocal is a monthly lens that provides a breathable silicone hydrogel platform with a surface technology designed to maintain moisture and prevent deposit formation.
These highly rated options demonstrate the range of designs and materials available, underscoring that the most effective lens aligns a patient’s individual visual requirements with the specific characteristics of the lens technology.