Do Bifocal Contact Lenses Really Work?

There comes a time when we all need bifocal eyeglasses. But what about bifocal contact lenses? There are two main questions I get asked by those interested. 1) Do they make bifocal contact lenses? And 2) Do they work?

In short, yes and yes. Bifocal contact lenses are very different than bifocal eyeglasses. Similar to glasses, contacts can be made as a bifocal (with a line), trifocal (with 2 lines), or a progressive (gradual add).

The type of lens that will work for you depends greatly on your visual needs and your prescription. For example, a dentist will have very different visual demands than an airline pilot.

Bifocal contact lenses have an upper portion for distance and a segment for near vision. These lenses are primarily made of gas permeable materials and give crisp distance vision along with great near vision.

Multifocal contact lenses have a gradual add power, similar to progressive eyeglasses. Multifocals can be made in soft or gas permeable contacts. The benefit of multifocal lenses is that you gain distance vision, intermediate vision (like the computer screen) and near vision.

The variety of designs in multifocal and bifocal lenses can be mind boggling. With hundreds of independent labs all coming up with their own designs, there are literally hundreds of multifocals on the market. There are even hybrids of multi and bifocals available.

The decision of which lens you wear should be left up to your contact lens specialist. Fitting multifocals calls for the utmost expertise and patience. Don't be alarmed if it takes a couple lenses to find the perfect fit. Multifocal and bifocal fitting is an art.

When you are first fit with bifocal or multifocal lenses, there may be a small adjustment period. The vision is different from what you are probably accustomed to. After wearing them for a couple days you will see the great benefit of these lenses.