Can You Still Wear Contact Lenses If You Need Bifocals?
Bifocals have been around since their invention by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, but it has taken considerably longer for that technology to make the leap to contact lenses. Although individuals suffering from presbyopia, or far-sightedness caused by natural aging, were once unable to wear contact lenses effectively, increasingly complex lens manufacturing methods have made it possible for contacts to adjust your both near and far vision separately.
Understanding How Bifocal Lenses Work
Bifocals use two different lenses to sharpen your vision over both long and short distances. Typically, the lower half of each combined lens focuses on shorter distances, while the top half is used to focus on far-away objects. Constructing a contact lens that offers the same effect without causing dizziness and nausea is a challenge, but manufacturers have found several ways to accomplish it. The most popular of these solutions are monovision and concentric bifocal lenses.
Considering Monovision Lenses
Monovision lenses do not correct vision like bifocal glasses do, opting instead to have each contact lens resolve images at different distances. In practice, this means that your dominant eye's contact lens will focus on far objects while your secondary eye prioritizes near objects. This was once the preferred method for patients with presbyopia, but it has some disadvantages when compared to newer contact lenses. For example, you may experience compromised depth perception, which can become a problem while driving, as well as slightly decreased distance perception.
Choosing Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are more similar to bifocals in function, relying on multiple lenses combined into one contact lens. They typically work by dedicating a small portion of your visual field to near objects, while the rest resolves objects in the distance. Multifocal lenses can be created using either hard or soft materials, but rigid lenses tend to work better. Because of this, if you have sensitive eyes, monovision lenses may be a better choice. Otherwise, multifocal lenses are generally preferred by optometrists as a more elegant solution to the bifocal problem.
Deciding Between Concentric or Alternating Image Designs
If you do choose to switch to multifocal contact lenses, you will need to decide between the different lens patterns available on the market today. Alternating image lenses are structured much like bifocals, with distances resolved in the top half of your visual field and nearer objects below. Concentric bifocal lenses, on the other hand, form a sort of bulls-eye pattern, with rings of differing focuses working together to create a clear image in your mind. Your optometrist will be able to show you the difference between each type of lens and offer recommendations based on your eye shape and visual needs, so schedule an appointment today (at a clinic such as Discover Vision Centers) if you are interested in finally ditching your bifocals for contact lenses.