Eye Health Resources

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.

Single Vision Contacts

Combining the powers of contacts and glasses

Single vision contacts 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 eye doctor 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 and eyeglasses. This is not the best option for people looking to forgo eyeglasses altogether.

Could single vision contacts be for you?

Single vision contacts 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 eye doctor for their best recommendation.

Pros

Could be cost-effective, depending on the lenses
Simple

Cons

Still have to use eyeglasses
No intermediate distance correction

Monovision Contacts

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 eye doctor. 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

Multifocal Contacts

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.

See ACUVUE Multifocals

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 eye doctor 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 and far

Seamlessly go from reading close up to seeing far away, even on the move.

Optimized for your pupils

Pupil size changes with age. We account for that to provide clear, crisp vision.

Designed for all-day comfort

ACUVUE contact lenses are moisture-infused to help prevent dry, itchy eyes.

UV protection^#

UV blocking^# is standard across our entire line of contact lenses.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How to get contacts?

To get contact lenses, you need a prescription. To get one, you'll need to book an eye exam and contact lens fitting with an eye doctor. They will assess whether contacts are right for you, and if so, provide a prescription unique to your eyes. After that, you can choose to buy your lenses from your eye doctor or somewhere else, like online.

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Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye, you may still be able to wear contact lenses. Ask your eye doctor if there are any contact lenses that may work with your specific case of dry eye.

Is it good to buy contact lenses online?

Buying contact lenses online can be a good option as long as you have a current prescription from your eye doctor. Never buy contact lenses online from any site without a prescription because the lenses may not correct your vision properly or may damage your eye.

Are contacts cheaper than glasses?

Contacts aren't cheaper than glasses in the long term. Initial costs for contacts or glasses can be very different depending on the prescription and materials. One main difference is that contacts may need frequent replacement depending on the kind you get, while eyeglasses may last 2-3 years if your prescription doesn't change. If costs for vision correction are a significant concern, speak with your eye doctor at the beginning of your appointment.

Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for contacts?

Either an optometrist or ophthalmologist can fit contacts and provide prescriptions. It's more common for contact lenses to be prescribed by optometrists who provide primary care eye health and vision services, including eye exams and prescribing vision corrections. That said, contacts can also be prescribed by ophthalmologists, though they tend to specialize in treating eye disease and performing ocular surgeries.

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If I've had LASIK or another refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?

It's not uncommon to ask a doctor if you can wear contacts after LASIK. LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn't always provide completely clear vision. For instance, it doesn't prevent presbyopia (the normal aging of your eye that makes it hard to see up close) so you may still need vision correction at some point. If your doctor feels you need vision correction after LASIK surgery and that contact lenses are appropriate, ask them if ACUVUE contact lenses could be a good choice.

Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information. J&J does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

#Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
 WARNING: 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. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

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Important Information For Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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Contact lens options for presbyopia