Contact lens options for presbyopia
If you’re starting to experience blurry near-vision and want to know which contact lenses could help, you’re in the right place.
Combining the powers of contact lenses and glasses
Single vision contact lenses are what most people commonly think of when they hear the words “contact lenses”—they correct one vision issue, like near- or far-sightedness. An Optician may prescribe these to you to correct distance vision, while correcting your presbyopia with reading glasses. For some people this is the simplest solution, but it still requires you to juggle contact lenses and eyeglasses. This is not the best option for people looking to forgo eyeglasses altogether.
Could single vision contact lenses be for you?
Single vision contact lenses for distance vision may be good for people on a limited budget or people not bothered by having to keep reading glasses on-hand. As always, talk to your Optician for their best recommendation.
Pros
- Could be cost-effective, depending on the lenses
- Simple
Cons
- Still have to use eyeglasses
- No intermediate distance correction
One eye to see near, one eye to see far
It works like this: Most people have a dominant eye, usually on the same side as their dominant hand. Their brain uses the information from that eye more. Monovision lenses use this concept to correct each eye for a different range of vision. For most people, the contact lens in the dominant eye corrects distance vision and the lens in the non-dominant eye corrects near-vision. It may sound like science fiction, but for some, this can be quite effective. It just takes some getting used to because your brain has to learn to use a different eye for each distance.
Weighing monovision
Monovision contact lenses for presbyopia aren’t for everyone. They can be great for people who don’t like to depend on reading glasses, but some people have trouble adapting to them. That’s why it’s always best to discuss your presbyopia contact lens options with your Optician. That said, here are some of the pros and cons of monovision.
Pros
- Good vision near and far
- Usually no need for reading glasses
Cons
- No intermediate distance correction
- May decrease depth perception
- Takes some getting used to
Correcting near, far and in-between in one lens
Multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia have been around for a few decades, but the technology and design has evolved and improved. Today, they can be a great option providing vision comparable to or better than the other contact lens options. They work by including different “zones” with different prescription powers. For instance, having distance correction in one zone and correction for presbyopia in another.
Pros and cons of multifocal lenses
Multifocal lenses can be a great option for people who already rely on contact lenses, and are beginning to experience presbyopia. In studies assessing multifocals vs. monovision, half to three-quarters of patients preferred multifocals. Talk to your Optician if you’re interested, as they are the best person to determine whether multifocal lenses are the best option for your lifestyle and your eyes.
Pros
- Clear vision near, far and in-between
- Usually no need for reading glasses
Cons
- May cost more
- May not be as clear across the entire range
Why choose ACUVUE® for presbyopia?
Clear vision near, far and in between12345
Seamlessly go from reading close up to seeing far away, even on the move.
Optimized for your pupils
Our pupil optimised design optimises the optical design to the pupil size according to age and refractive power, to help bring you clear vision near, far, and in between12345.
Designed for all-day comfort
ACUVUE® brand contact lenses have moisture technology to copy the mucin in tears for exceptional comfort all day long**6.
UV protection#6
ACUVUE® offers UV blocking#6 across its entire line of contact lenses, including those for Presbyopia.
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Footnotes
* Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions.
All ACUVUE® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your Eye Care Professional.
For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use.