Did you know that there are different types of bifocal contact lenses? If you have presbyopia (trouble focusing on near objects) and are looking for effective treatments for nearsightedness and farsightedness read on to find out more. There are at least 3 different styles of bifocal contact lenses and this article will explain the different styles and you can make the best decision for your own lifestyle.
You might have heard the terms multifocal contacts, progressives, aspheric or even translating contact lenses. These terms refer to the different lens designs used to achieve the same thing, to allow you to see clearly near, far and all distances in between.
No need to suffer from blurred vision, headaches, eye strain or eye fatigue. No need to wear bulky eye glasses anymore, now you have a choice. Ok on to the different styles of bifocal contacts.
Aspheric Multifocal Contact Lens
Also known as progressive contact lens, this design works more like progressive eyeglass lenses, that is, different prescriptive powers are located across the lens letting you see clearly at all distances. These lenses do require a period of adjustment, the eyes eventually learn to ignore near objects when focusing on far objects and vice versa. Depending on your vision correction needs, the centre of the lens will be for near sight and the outer part of the lens for distance.
Concentric Contact Lenses
Also known as annular contact lens, these contacts have an arrangement of prescriptions in a bulls eye pattern in which they alternate in strength from near to far. Depending on your vision needs the centre of the lens can either be designed for near vision or far vision.
Translating Bifocals Contact Lenses
These lenses work much like bifocal eyeglasses. There are two distinct prescription areas, one for near vision and the other for far vision. Depending on your visual needs the lens can have either near or far vision at the top or the bottom. Bifocal contact lenses tend to rotate when you blink, to avoid the lens from rotating the bottom is weighted (ballasted) and/or flattened (truncated). This helps to keep the lens in the proper position.
Which one is right for you? It really depends on your lifestyle and in what situations you are mostly going to be using your bifocal contacts. Your eye doctor or eye care professional will guide you through which ones will be most suitable for your situation.
It is very important that you are properly fitted for your bifocal contacts by your Optometrist, otherwise when you blink your lens might slide around on your pupil causing distorted vision. Your eye doctor will also teach you how to handle them, how to put them in, how to remove them and how to wash them (if required). He/she will also tell you if they are disposable and if not find the right contact lens solution for your specific needs.
Contact lenses are considered medical devices and you must have a prescription especially if you are buying your bifocal contact lenses online. Many of the major contact lens manufacturers offer free samples and you can use this to your advantage to see which brand feels best.
Hopefully you found this article on bifocal contact lens types informative. Here’s to your clear vision, near, far and all distances in between.
Happy contact lens hunting.