About contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia

Q: Do multifocal contacts really 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 to monovision. That said, multifocals are not for everyone, and your eye doctor is the best person to determine what vision correction is best for you.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Can you drive at night with multifocal lenses?

Generally, wearers of multifocal lenses can drive at night. If you feel that you’re experiencing a change your ability to see well when driving at night, talk to your eye doctor about it.

Q: Is it normal for multifocal contacts to be blurry?

The goal of multifocal contact lenses is to provide clear vision at various distances to people with presbyopia. If you’re experiencing blurry vision with your multifocal contacts, talk to your eye doctor.

Q: 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.