If you’re over 40, you may have noticed your newspaper looking a little blurry these days. It’s called presbyopia or a loss of flexibility in the lens of the eye, and it’s a natural part of the aging process. Just because it’s normal, doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating. Luckily there are a variety of different options to correct this condition without ever having to resort to bifocals or reading glasses. A great alternative is multifocal contact lenses, which are gaining in popularity.
Multifocal designs differ from monovision and translating designs because they contain multiple zones of vision correction in both lenses as opposed to using one eye for far distances and one for close-up or being a miniature version of bifocals. There are many versions of multifocals tailored to fit your specific needs:
Proclear EP
The first and only contact lens specifically for people who are just beginning to experience difficulty seeing objects up close due to presbyopia.
Proclear multifocal, Proclear multifocal toric and Proclear 1 day multifocal
Proclear lenses are the only lenses cleared by the FDA for the claim, “may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear." This lens is also available in a Toric lens for patients with astigmatism and in a convenient daily disposable.
Biofinity multifocal
A high-performance monthly silicone hydrogel lens approved for up to 6 nights/7 days of extended wear for patients with presbyopia. They’re naturally wettable so they stay moist and comfortable all day long.
If you have presbyopia and want to try out contacts, ask your eye doctor about which multifocal lens option is right for you.