As you age, you may notice some changes in your vision. Many people over the age of 40 require reading glasses to help with age-related farsightedness, called presbyopia.
For those who already wear glasses to correct for myopia, or nearsightedness, switching back and forth between reading glasses and regular glasses may become a bother. That’s why many people choose glasses with progressive lenses or multifocal contact lenses.
What are Progressive Glasses?
Progressive glasses correct 3 distance zones in your visual field: near, intermediate, and distant vision.
The difference between progressives and multi/bifocal glasses is that progressive lenses lack the telltale lines on the lenses that separate each visual zone. Progressive lenses provide a much more seamless transition between near and distant vision.
Although progressive glasses are a popular choice among older adults with multiple prescriptions, there are several benefits that multifocal contact lenses offer in addition to correcting the 3 visual zones.
Why Switch to Multifocal Contacts?
For starters, many patients prefer the appearance of contact lenses over glasses and the freedom they provide.
Multifocal contact lenses also provide some visual benefits that progressive glasses may not:
- Progressive glasses can sometimes produce blurred side vision when focusing on near objects, while multifocal contacts provide clear side vision.
- When wearing progressives glasses, you have to tilt your head downwards to read. With multifocal contacts, you can comfortably read without tilting your head, and have a larger reading area compared to progressives.
- It’s much easier to read text that’s above head level with multifocal contact lenses.
- The daily maintenance of contacts may be easier than glasses. You only need to clean your contacts in the morning and night, whereas glasses usually need to be cleaned several times per day.
- Progressive glasses can sometimes make straight lines seem curved. Multifocal contact lenses usually don’t distort your vision.
- If you use a computer, you may find that wearing multifocal contact lenses is more comfortable than wearing progressive glasses, as you can read the screen while maintaining a natural head and neck position.
- Multifocal contact lenses may be more suitable than glasses for an active lifestyle.
Progressive glasses and multifocal contact lenses each have their pros and cons, and your optometrist will help you decide which option works best for your eyes and lifestyle.
If you think that multifocal contact lenses may be for you, be in touch with Northwood Vision in Clearwater to schedule a contact lens consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
At Northwood Vision, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 727-205-0445 or book an appointment online to see one of our Clearwater eye doctors.
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Q&A
Q: Are there several types of multifocal contact lenses?
- A: Yes. Multifocal contact lenses come in a few different designs, including concentric, aspheric, and segmented. The difference between each lies in the pattern of zone correction on the lens’ surface.
Q: How long does it take to adjust to multifocal contact lenses?
- A: The adjustment period lasts between a week and up to a month or two. Wearing your lenses as often as possible will help your eyes adjust faster. Some patients experience eye strain and headaches while adjusting to the lenses, so speak with your optometrist about any symptoms you may have.
Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses In Clearwater, Florida. Visit Northwood Vision for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.