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The Differences Between Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses

Contact lenses in Edmonton Alberta

For many of us, 40 is the age when taking greater care of our health is no longer just an option but an absolute necessity.

No matter how often you lift weights at the gym, there are certain deteriorating conditions you cannot control, such as difficulties focusing your eyes or straining your eyes while reading. If you are edging over 40 and squinting to read the fine print on your mobile phone or restaurant menu, it’s time you made an appointment with your eye doctor in Edmonton. An eye exam can reveal whether you have age-related vision problems or Presbyopia. With the advances in technology today, you have a range of eyewear options to help you see clearly across all distances, including bifocal and multifocal contact lenses. About Presbyopia and Why Contact Lenses Make Sense As your body ages, the lens in your eye becomes harder and less supple, making it tougher to focus. This age-related decline in near vision is called Presbyopia. You know you possibly have this condition when you need to hold your mobile phone or reading material at a distance to read the text. Earlier, reading glasses were the only option available to correct this condition. Remember the thick bifocal glasses perched on your dad’s nose when he browsed through the newspaper? You don’t have to wear the same. Today, there is a wide range of bifocal and multifocal contact lenses available for not only those with Presbyopia but also for individuals who need both distance and near vision correction. The Difference between Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lens It is easy to get confused between the two. Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions in the same lens. Multifocal lenses are similar to progressive eyeglasses where there are several focal points in each lens for distance, intermediate and reading correction. Bifocal lenses also fall in the multifocal lens category. There are 3 different types of multifocal lenses:

  1. Concentric Multifocal Lens: Designed to correct both distance and near sight, these have concentric circles on the lens.

  2. Aspheric Multifocal Lens: There are no visible lines on this variety. The distance sight is located at the centre and gradually adjusts as you move away.

  3. Segmented Bifocal Lens: Like progressive eyeglasses, the distance prescription is located at the lower end of the lens and near prescription on the upper half.

Address Your Vision Problems with Regular Eye Examinations at Optometrists’ Clinic Your eyecare professional at Optometrists’ Clinic will tell you which option is best suited for you. We have a wide range of contact lenses for all ages, from daily disposables that provide perfect vision each day without regular cleaning, to cost-effective monthly disposables. If you are used to wearing eye glasses and need contact lenses only for special occasions, the daily option may work better for you. Our team in Edmonton is happy to help you explore eyewear solutions. Whether you seek coloured contacts, disposables, or an eye exam in Edmonton, we are ready to assist. Visit us at one of our convenient locations, or complete our online contact form today.

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