About Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lens basics

Want a break from readers? Multifocal contact lenses can help correct presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, by including multiple prescription strengths in the same lens.

What are Multifocals?

Multifocal contacts help you see clearly at all distances

To uncover what multifocal contact lenses are, let’s start by breaking down the name. “Multi” means multiple and “focal” is about the ability to focus. If we put that together, we have contacts that can help you focus on multiple distances in one lens. For example, they’d help you see clearly if you’re reading a book in a park, and then look up to watch your kids play on the playground. It may seem incredible that multiple prescriptions can be in the same tiny lens, but it works, and we’ll cover how in a moment.

Who needs multifocal contacts?

Starting around age 40, almost everyone starts to notice that things look blurry up close. You’ve probably seen someone holding their phone at arm’s length to be able to read it—this is a tell-tale sign of presbyopia. It happens when the lens inside the eye loses flexibility as you age, making it harder for the eye to focus on nearby objects. When this happens, many people reach for “readers” or eyeglasses specifically to help correct nearby vision. But some people don’t like having to remember to have readers with them all the time. Multifocal contact lenses (including progressive contact lenses) help solve that problem, by including vision correction near and far.

More About Presbyopia

How Multifocals Work

One lens, multiple focusing powers

Multifocal contacts allow the eyes to use the part of the lens needed to see clearly in that moment. You can think of it kind of like looking through a screen window. You can either look at the screen (near vision) or at what’s behind it (distance vision). Here are the three main ways that contact lenses are designed to provide more than one prescription in the same lens.

Concentric

Multifocal contact lenses in this category use concentric rings (rings within rings) to provide different focusing powers. Usually, the center of the contact lens corrects distance vision, and then the rings alternate between near and far correction until it reaches the edge of the contact lens.

Aspheric

This type of lens changes prescription power gradually as you go from the center of the lens to the edge. Your eyes learn to use the right part of the lens for whatever you’re looking at in the moment, whether it’s near or far. These are sometimes also referred to as progressive contact lenses. This is the type of lens that ACUVUE makes.

Segmented

If you’ve ever seen bifocal eyeglasses, these work in a similar way. There’s a top part of the lens that corrects distance vision and a part below that corrects near vision, with a clear division between.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Could multifocals be right for you?

Multifocal contact lenses can be a great option for many people, it just depends on what you’re looking for and what your eye doctor recommends. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of multifocal contact lenses.

Advantages

Helps with near, intermediate and distance vision
Less dependency on reading glasses
Wearers can enjoy a natural look all day

Disadvantages

There is an adjustment period as your brain gets used to the different powers in the lens
Vision may not be perfect for all people
Limited options for those with astigmatism

Other Treatments

Alternatives to multifocal contacts

Eyeglasses

Whether over-the-counter readers or prescription glasses like bifocals, eyeglasses can be a good option for people who aren’t interested in contact lenses or surgery.

A combination of eyeglasses and contact lenses

This option can be used for people who already use single vision contact lenses and aren’t bothered by reading glasses.

Surgery like iLASIK^™

This is the most permanent of treatment options, and because of that, it’s not often recommended for people with no vision problems other than presbyopia.

Monovision contact lenses

Another approach to contact lenses for presbyopia that uses one eye to focus on near objects and one eye to focus on objects in the distance.

See Details of Alternatives

Are multifocal lenses right for you?

Only your eye doctor can determine whether multifocal contacts would be right for you. They may take into consideration whether or not you’ve worn contacts before, whether or not you have dry eye, and other eye health factors.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do multifocal contacts work?

Multifocal contact lenses can be a great option for many people experiencing presbyopia. In studies of those who currently wear contacts, over half preferred multifocal contact lenses. That said, multifocals are not for everyone, and your eye doctor is the best person to determine what vision correction is best for you.

What are common complaints for first-time wearers of multifocal lenses?

Multifocal lenses can take some getting used to since they require training your brain to “see through” certain parts of the lens, so you may not experience clear vision immediately. Other complaints may include difficulty seeing clearly in poor lighting conditions, vision not being as clear as you’d hoped, or the feeling of dry eyes. If you experience any of these issues, contact your eye doctor, as they may be able to help you resolve them.

How long does it take to see clearly with multifocal contacts?

Since multifocal contact lenses have several focusing powers in the same lens, it can take a little bit of time for you to get used to them. That’s because your brain has to learn how to use the different powers in the lens. For some people, this can take a few weeks. If you have any questions or concerns about how long it’s taking to get used to your multifocal lenses, contact your eye doctor.

Can you drive at night with multifocal lenses?

Some people experience difficulty with driving at night when they’re wearing multifocal lenses, since they can be affected by lighting conditions. Sometimes adjustments can be made to improve visibility while driving, but you’ll need to talk to your eye doctor about it.

Is it normal for multifocal contacts to be blurry?

While multifocal contact lenses may not provide perfectly crisp vision for all people, blurry vision may occur. If you experience blurry vision with your multifocal contacts, it's best to get in touch with your eye doctor, because they’re the best person to troubleshoot the issue.

Can I wear multifocal contacts if I have astigmatism?

Certain multifocal contact lenses are made specifically for people with astigmatism. This type of lens is called a “toric multifocal contact lens,” and its design helps correct blurry vision caused by the unique shape of an eye with astigmatism. If you’re interested, talk to your eye doctor—they’ll be able to determine if toric multifocal lenses are right for your eyes.

Footnotes

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

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

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, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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