What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses & How Do They Work?

What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses & How Do They Work?

According to the Singapore National Eye Centre, Singaporeans face distinct risks of eye diseases throughout their lives. And when an individual develops one or more refractive issues, one of the corrective options recommended will be multifocal contact lenses. 

To help you decide if they are the right option for you, it is crucial to gain a clear understanding of what multifocal contact lenses are and how they can enhance your vision.

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?

Multifocal contact lenses are specially designed to accommodate two or more prescriptions within a single lens. They provide different powers to support near-, intermediate-, and distance vision. Although they may not be suitable for everyone, multifocal lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with presbyopia and other refractive conditions.

Who is a Good Candidate for Multifocal Contact Lenses?

You might be a good candidate for multifocal contact lenses if you experience any of the following challenges. Consider consulting your optometrist to see if they’re the right fit for you:

  • Difficulty seeing both nearby and distant objects clearly
  • Eye strain or fatigue caused by activities like reading or writing
  • A preference to avoid constantly switching between different types of eyewear for near or farsightedness
  • Discomfort with the weight of glasses or limitations in peripheral vision associated with them

What is the Difference Between Multifocal and Regular Contact Lenses?

The key differences between regular prescription contact lenses and multifocal contact lenses lie in their functionality and design.

1. Functional Differences

Regular contact lenses, also known as single-vision lenses, are designed to correct vision at a single distance—either for nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). In contrast, multifocal contact lenses are designed with multiple zones, allowing for correction at various distances, including near, intermediate, and far.

2. Design Differences

Regular lenses feature a simple convex or concave shape to address a specific refractive error. Multifocal lenses, however, are more complex. They incorporate simultaneous and segmented vision designs to seamlessly provide optimal vision across varying distances.

Types of Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses come in three main types, each catering to different vision needs:

  • Bifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses have two distinct zones—one for near vision and the other for distance vision. 
  • Trifocal Contact Lenses: Trifocal lenses add an arms-length distance in addition to the near and distance vision zones. 
  • Progressive Contact Lenses: Unlike bifocal and trifocal lenses, progressive multifocal lenses offer a seamless transition between the near, intermediate, and distance vision zones.

Materials Use for Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are available in two primary materials:

  • Soft Lenses: Made from soft, flexible plastics, these multifocal lenses allow oxygen to pass through the cornea, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Lenses made from this type of material are known for their durability and resistance to deposit buildup.

Design of Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are designed in two ways:

Simultaneous Multifocal Design

Simultaneous vision designs divide the lens into different zones for near, far, and sometimes intermediate vision. The wearer’s eyes naturally determine which part of the lens provides the clearest vision, depending on the object being viewed.

There are two main types of simultaneous vision designs:

  • Concentric Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses feature a central viewing zone, typically for distance vision, surrounded by concentric rings alternating between near and distance powers.
  • Aspheric Multifocal Contact Lenses: Similar to concentric lenses, aspheric lenses transition smoothly from near-to-distance vision (or vice versa) without distinct rings. The power gradually changes from the centre to the periphery of the lens, mimicking the functionality of progressive eyeglass lenses.

Segmented Multifocal Designs

Segmented multifocal contact lenses resemble the structure of bifocal or trifocal eyeglass lenses. These lenses have separate zones for distance and near vision, with the distance vision zone located in the upper and central areas of the lens and the near vision zone in the lower portion. The two zones are divided by a visible line. These types of contact lenses are made from gas-permeable materials. 

How to Choose Multifocal Contact Lenses: Are They Right for You?

When deciding whether you should get multifocal contact lenses instead, you should weigh in on the benefits and the factors you need to consider. 

Advantages of Multifocal Contact Lenses

  • Optimal visual acuity for the range of distances from near to far
  • A less abrupt switch between prescriptions
  • The ability to see in varying conditions without extra eyewear

Considerations When Choosing to Get Multifocal Contact Lenses

  • The duration of how long you can adjust to your multifocal contact lenses may vary because of different viewing experiences
  • In some cases, you may experience nighttime glare or shadowy vision during the adjustment period
  • It could be more pricey due to the increased complexity of the design

The Role of Eye Exams in Choosing Multifocal Contact Lenses

Choosing the right multifocal contact lenses requires comprehensive testing of your eye vision. An optometrist at Kacee Eyecare can assess your vision needs and lifestyle to determine if multifocal lenses suit your condition. They can conduct a fitting process to ensure optimal comfort and performance. In addition to multifocal contact lenses, we offer contact lenses for nearsightedness and farsightedness, along with a range of other eyecare services to support your eye health in Singapore.

For more information on how to protect your eyes, check out how to protect your eyes from computer screen strain and the top 5 bad contact lens habits to stop.

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