Whilst multifocal lenses are not suitable for everyone, they do offer many advantages for those who wear them. If you are new to multifocal lenses, we will run through what multifocal lenses are, and if in fact they are what your eyes are needing.

What are multifocal lenses?

Like the name suggests, multifocal lenses are lenses that contain more than one prescriptive lens. This is for people who have multiple refractive errors such as those who struggle to see with near and distant vision. Multifocal lenses are made to be more convenient than having to switch between contacts and glasses to correct eyesight. By being compact and all in one, multifocal lenses offer practicality to your everyday life. The way the lens works is by incorporating multiple focus zones within one lens- each zone with a different refractive power. These zones work together to provide clear vision at different distances, resulting in a smooth transition between near and far sight. To enable this smooth transition between distances is due to the lens aligning with your pupil. When your pupil observes objects from near or far, it dilates and constricts, and so does your lens as the focus zones mimic the changes in your pupils. Multifocal lenses are designed to bring in light and redistribute it between near, middle, and far distances. The centre of the lens focuses light directly onto your retina, whereas the outer lens directs light rays to the front of your retina. This enables your eyes to naturally focus for clear visual clarity.

Who are multifocal lenses for?

As I mentioned, multifocal lenses are not for everyone. For people who have corneal irregularities such as those who suffer from severe dry eyes, have irregular astigmatism, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are not suited for multifocal lenses. Typically, people with one refractive error such as myopia or hyperopia (near or farsighted), would be better with lenses specifically targeting one prescription. However, myopia in children and teens can actually benefit from wearing multifocal lenses. The conditions that make for perfect candidates include:

- Presbyopia

- Needing more than one prescriptive lens

- Regular astigmatism

- For work, study, or sport

- Myopia in children and teens

Multifocal lenses are most beneficial for people who suffer from a condition called presbyopia which is more common in people who are over the age of 40. Presbyopia occurs naturally as we age, due to the loss of elasticity in our eye causing the lens to harden and become unable to focus on objects close by. Presbyopia is a gradual condition and we may begin to slowly notice changes in our near vision, such as finding it hard to focus on nearby objects or finding them blurry. For existing myopia conditions, it is common to develop presbyopia and myopia together, putting you in the prime category for multifocal lenses. Needing more than one prescriptive lens for conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and regular astigmatism will benefit greatly by having all corrections in the one lens. Multifocal toric lenses are also available for people with astigmatism.

Another candidate who may benefit from a pair of multifocal lenses are those who are constantly shifting their view from near and far vision on a regular basis, such as for work, study, or sport. A constant shift in near and far vision on eyes with deteriorating vision may benefit from having one lens that will help them see clearly without having to alternate between different lenses, or to suffer with blurry vision.

Studies have also shown firm evidence that multifocal lenses do indeed help children and teens to prevent their myopia from worsening. Compared with a single prescriptive lens, soft multifocal lenses reported a higher reduction in myopia progression in children aged between 6-19 years old. Slower progression was reported in children who wear multifocal lenses for a minimum of 8 hours per day, with 10-12 hours per day being the most beneficial.

Weighing up the positives and negatives  

Like with all things, there are pros and cons to consider if multifocal lenses are right for you.

The Positives

- They feel natural switching between different prescriptions compared to bifocal lenses

- Offering enhanced vision at all varying distances near, middle, and far

- They come in both soft and hard (rigid gas permeable) lens options to suit your requirements

 - Soft lenses are made from soft hydrogel material for increased comfort and breathability

- Increased water content to keep eyes moist and comfortable

- Convenient all in one lens instead of alternating between different contacts and glasses

- Can be used to help prevent myopia worsening in children and teens

- Inconspicuous lens compared to bifocal lenses

The Negatives

- Eyes may take time to adjust to the multiple zones at different distances in your lenses

- Reduced night vision due to glare and a halo-like effect surrounding night-time lights may cause a distraction when driving

- A more expensive option compared to regular contact lenses due to containing multiple lenses

- Decreased contrast and clarity in low-light conditions

- 3D vision or shadows whilst your eyes adjust

How to care for multifocal lenses

Just like your regular lenses, multifocal contacts are to be cared for the same way. Always ensure you handle your lenses with clean and dry hands, and give them a proper clean with solution before and after use. Store your lenses in a closed case of solution, be sure to keep them away from water, and always remove before bed. Depending on your multifocal lens, they may come in daily or monthly wear and are to be adhered by their timeline. Never wear your contacts for longer than stated.

How to adjust to wearing your multifocal contacts

Wearing multifocal lenses are an adjustment, and it does take time for your eyes and brain to catch onto the varied prescriptions of the lenses. However, with patience, perseverance, and the right techniques to adjust, you should become acclimatised to your multifocal contacts in a couple of weeks. Here are some adjusting techniques that you can follow:

- When first obtaining your lenses, it is important to take it slow by wearing them for short periods at a time, and slowly increase the duration of wear each day.

- Get to know your multifocal lenses at home in a controlled and comfortable setting before attempting them outdoors.

- Avoid switching between your multifocal lenses and glasses as this doesn’t give your eyes the chance to adapt to the new lens.

- Consistently wear your lenses every day to help your brain adapt to the visual change.

- Try eye exercises to strengthen your eye muscles and improve visual precision. Speak to your optometrist on specific exercises you can do.

- Wear your multifocal contacts in well-lit environments to avoid possible eye strain and to improve visibility.

- Practice focusing your gaze directly on different objects and keep your head at a consistent position whilst moving your eyes up and down through the lens. This can help you to find what zone in your lens has the sharpest vision for the distance you are looking at.

- If reading, hold your book at different angles and distances from your eyes to find the position that is the sharpest.

- You will find objects that are near, middle, and distant will require you to look through different parts of your lens. This will take time to adjust, but once you work out the sweet spot, your eyes will naturally gravitate to where they need to be.

- Approach activities such as walking down stairs or driving your car/ riding a bike with care, as it takes some time to familiarise yourself with the change in perception.

The above information is just a guide in how to comfortably adjust to your multifocal lenses. If you are having great difficulty with your lenses, or the adjustment period has extended beyond three weeks, make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your concerns. It could be your prescription is not right for your eyes, or your lenses are not fitting correctly. Once your eyes adjust to multifocal contacts, you should find they feel part of your natural vision. For those who think they might like to give multifocal lenses a try, have a chat with your optometrist before you proceed.

Check out our range of multifocal lenses on our site by clicking on the products below.