Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal Contact Lenses at Powers Eye Center

If you suffer from the age-related phenomenon known as presbyopia, your eyes may require more than one type of vision correction. This type of refractive error can compound other issues such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. You may already know that bifocals, trifocals, and progressive eyeglasses can combat this problem — but those aren’t your only options. Here at Powers Eye Center, we offer multifocal contact lenses to individuals who need this kind of vision correction but don’t want to wear eyeglasses.

Vision Correction for Presbyopia

While most refractive errors stem from an abnormality in the shape of the eyeball or cornea, presbyopia is a problem with the lens of the eye. This flexible structure can focus on objects at different distances with the aid of tiny muscles that flex as needed. Unfortunately, the lens naturally grows stiffer with age, and after age 40 the muscles may no longer be able to flex sufficiently to focus on near objects. People who have no other refractive errors may only need to wear reading glasses for close work. However, if you were already having trouble seeing distant objects, you may need eyewear that can correct for multiple distance fields.

Bifocals and trifocals solve this problem by containing two to three distinct lens segments, while progressive eyeglasses offer a smooth gradation across multiple corrective fields. But you may feel self-conscious about suddenly having to take up glasses, or you may simply not enjoy wearing glasses. If you engage in high-impact activities, glasses may not be practical for you. That’s when you should consider multifocal contact lenses, which can correct for presbyopia.

A Variety of Multifocal Options

Multifocal contact lenses come in soft or RGP (rigid gas permeable) materials, with the RGP option providing more accurate correction for stronger prescriptions. There are also different methods of correction to choose from. The most basic type of multifocal contact is the segmented design, which has one near segment and one distance segment (just like bifocal glasses). Another option, the concentric design, places near and distance segments in alternating concentric rings; the brain quickly learns how to switch between segments as needed. Aspheric multifocal contacts are similar in concept to progressive eyeglasses, with the correction fading smoothly from near vision in the center to distance vision at the rim.

Call Powers Eye Center to learn more

If you’re at the age when reading has suddenly become a chore, maybe it’s time to get checked for presbyopia and learn more about corrective options, including our multifocal contacts. Call Powers Eye Center at 719-598-5068 today to schedule an appointment or schedule online now!