Contact lenses for presbyopia

Contact lenses for presbyopia are specialised lenses designed for people with age-related long-sightedness. Presbyopia is a natural age-related process in which the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, usually from the age of 40 onwards. This makes it more difficult to see clearly up close, for example when reading, working on a computer or looking at your mobile phone.

There are two main types of contact lenses for presbyopia:

• Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses contain multiple zones of power within a single lens, similar to varifocal glasses. They are designed so that you look through different zones to see at different distances. There are various designs, such as concentric rings or a gradual transition from one power to another.
• Monovision: With this approach, you wear a lens for distance vision in one eye and a lens for near vision in the other. Your brain learns to automatically use the correct eye for the distance you are looking at. Some people opt for a modified version, known as modified monovision, in which one eye wears a multifocal lens.

Both types are available as soft lenses and as rigid lenses. Soft multifocal lenses are the most common and are available as daily disposable, fortnightly and monthly lenses. Rigid multifocal lenses are often worn at night as part of orthokeratology or during the day for specific eye shapes.

It may take a while to get used to multifocal lenses. At first, your vision may feel less sharp than with glasses, particularly in low light or in the evening. Not everyone adapts equally easily; some people need more time or may ultimately opt for monovision or a combination with reading glasses.

Who are these lenses suitable for?

Contact lenses for presbyopia are designed for people aged 40 and over who are experiencing age-related long-sightedness and would like to manage without reading glasses. They are suitable if you:

• if you already wear contact lenses and find that reading is becoming more difficult;
• if you want to try contact lenses for the first time and want to see clearly at both a distance and up close;
• lead an active lifestyle and appreciate the freedom that contact lenses offer;
• Looking for a change from your varifocal glasses?

Your optician or optometrist will determine which type and design best suits your eyes and visual needs. This depends on your lens prescription, your pupil size, your tear film, how much you read and work at different distances, and how well you adapt to your new vision.

Fitting and adjustment period

Fitting multifocal or monovision lenses requires more time and precision than standard lenses. Your optician will not only measure your prescription for distance and near vision, but will also assess your dominant eye, your pupil size and your expectations. You will often try trial lenses first to get a feel for how your vision works in everyday life.

Expect an adjustment period of a few days to a few weeks. At first, your depth perception may feel different, or letters may appear slightly less sharp in low light. Most people adapt well and, over time, are pleased with the convenience of wearing lenses without needing reading glasses.

Care and replacement

Contact lenses for presbyopia require the same care as other soft or rigid lenses. Daily disposable lenses are discarded after each use, which is both hygienic and convenient. Two-week and monthly lenses should be cleaned and stored daily in fresh solution. At SMEYEL , you’ll find lens solution and care products suitable for multifocal lenses.

Replace your lenses according to the prescribed schedule and visit your optician or optometrist regularly for a check-up. Presbyopia changes over the years, so your prescription may need to be adjusted over time.

Alternatives

If multifocal or monovision lenses do not work well for you, there are other options. You can wear lenses for distance vision and use reading glasses for close-up vision. Or you could opt for varifocal glasses as your main solution and wear contact lenses for sport or going out. Discuss with your optician what suits your situation best.