What are multifocal contact lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses are a type of contact lens which combine multiple prescriptions in one lens. They are mainly prescribed for people with age-related presbyopia, a condition which causes your short-distance vision to become blurred. By looking through different parts of the lens, you can see close objects clearly, as well as objects at a distance.

Who are multifocal contact lenses most suitable for?

Multifocal contact lenses are an alternative solution for someone who has problems with near-term vision due to age but does not want to wear reading glasses. Reading glasses come in various forms:

Standard reading glasses

These correct only short-distance vision and cause objects at a long distance to appear blurred, so it is often necessary to take them on and off several times throughout the day

Bifocal reading glasses

These have long-distance and short-distance parts and can be worn throughout the day, but the division between the lenses is clearly visible.

Progressive reading glasses

These are the most advanced type of glasses, with a gradual transition between long-distance and short-distance areas in the lens.

Multifocal contact lenses aim to provide the benefit of reading glasses in contact lens form. Until recently, they were unsuitable for correcting astigmatism, but now bifocal toric lenses are available (see below).

What types of multifocal contact lenses are available?

The most common multifocal contact lens designs are:

Concentric lenses

This type of lens arranges the short-distance and long-distance parts in concentric circles. It is possible to prescribe lenses with the short-distance section in the middle, or lenses with the long-distance section in the middle, to fit dominant and non-dominant eyes.

Aspheric lenses

This type of lens provides a gradual shift from near (in the centre) to long-distance vision (around the edges), similar to progressive reading glasses

Bifocal lenses

These are lenses split into two parts: a short-distance part at the bottom and long-distance at the top. The lens is designed to remain in place and resist rotation. This variation in thickness can also correct astigmatism.

It is also possible to use disposable multifocal contact lenses, soft lenses for part-time wear, or hard lenses for wearing all day.

What alternative treatments are available?

For presbyopia, there are a number of surgical treatments available including:

• conductive keratoplasty
• laser eye surgery
• refractive lens exchange

For most forms of astigmatism laser eye surgery can correct your vision, but if you have a complex form of astigmatism, you may need to wear custom multifocal lenses.