ere are some frequently asked questions about multifocal or bifocal contact lenses:
Who can wear multifocal or bifocal contact lenses?
You're an especially good candidate if you are already used to wearing contact lenses or if you have already
adapted to bifocal, trifocal, or progressive eyeglass lenses.
But really, most people with presbyopia -- even those with no contact lens experience -- can wear
bifocal contact lenses successfully. back to menu
Am I too old or too young to wear them?
Usually, presbyopia begins at around age 40. If you are presbyopic, you are a potential candidate for
bifocal contact lenses, no matter what your age. back to menu
I need reading glasses, but I don't need eyewear to see far away. Am I a candidate?
Yes, you can get bifocal contact lenses that have just a reading segment. Many people find this more convenient and attractive than wearing
reading glasses. back to menu
How do I find an eyecare practitioner who fits them?
Should I choose an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?
Call your regular eyecare practitioner and ask if he or she fits bifocal contact lenses. If not, check with others in your area. Don't forget to
ask the question before you make an appointment. Fitting bifocal contact lenses requires special knowledge and experience, so not
every eyecare practitioner fits them. Most fitters of bifocal contact lenses are optometrists,
but many ophthalmologists fit them,
too. back to menu
Is it difficult to get used to bifocal contact lenses?
No. If you have adapted to bifocal, trifocal, or progressive eyeglass lenses, you will already
understand the basics of using translating bifocal contact lenses, in which the
distance zone is straight ahead and above center, while the reading zone is
lower. With simultaneous designs, your eyes will learn to focus near or far as
needed. Whatever your particular lens design, your eyecare practitioner will
make sure you understand how to use it. back to menu
Do they provide vision that's as good as my bifocal eyeglasses?
Yes. GP bifocal contacts provide especially crisp vision,
as compared with soft contact lenses, because
they are made of a rigid material that tends to hold a more definite shape on the wearer's eye, even after a blink. back to menu
Are bifocal contact lenses expensive?
The price varies from one lens design to another, but in general they are less expensive than eyeglasses with progressive lenses. GP
bifocal contact lenses, especially, are a good value because they last longer than most soft bifocal contacts. back to menu
How often will I need to replace them?
That depends on whether you choose soft bifocals or GP bifocals. In general, soft contact lenses become cloudy with protein deposits over
time; they are also easy to tear. GP contact lenses are made of a more durable plastic that stays clear over time. With GP bifocals, you
may need new ones only when your presbyopia progresses so that you need a stronger
near vision prescription. Read a comparison of soft contacts vs. GP contact lenses. back to menu
Do they require any special care?
Bifocal contact lenses require no more care than regular
contacts, and they are just as easy to insert and remove from the eye. Most wearers go
all day without needing to think about their contacts. Wearers of bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, however, constantly feel the weight of their glasses on their nose, must remove
them for periodic cleaning, and have to put up with fogging on cold days. Reading glasses, too, are often removed and replaced several times a day, and it's easy to
misplace or scratch them. back to menu
What if I have astigmatism?
Not to worry. Bifocal contact lenses come in many designs and can be prescribed for people with astigmatism.
The best choice is usually GP lenses, because they hold their shape to correct astigmatism
better. back to menu
For more information about bifocal contact lenses, read on:
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