Can Contact Lenses Be Bifocal Or Progressive?

Are you finding that you have to hold a newspaper or a book farther and farther from your face to see the words clearly, or has it become harder to read small print than you once were able to? This change in vision is very common, particularly if you’re near or over the age of 40.

In your early 40’s, you begin to lose the ability to focus on close up objects, which is referred to as presbyopia. This is a result of the lens inside of your eye hardening and losing its ability to flex, which allows our eyes to focus. This gradual change is a very normal part of the aging process. Even if we’ve had perfect vision our whole lives, most of us will experience this change in vision as we get older.

The good news is that there are easy and effective solutions to enhance our vision. While some choose to wear glasses, or “readers,” for viewing text or objects close up, others find it annoying to have to put on and take off glasses depending on the task at hand. In that case, many elect to wear bifocal or progressive (multifocal) glasses, which correct both near and far vision and can be worn for any task.

However, there are many people who would just rather not wear glasses at all for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there are progressive and bifocal contact lenses that can be worn to correct nearsightedness or many other vision impairments.

Bifocal contact lenses have been around for many years, but it’s only recently that they have become more popular as newer technology has produced a variety of more effective lenses. Bifocal and progressive or multifocal contact lenses come in both soft materials and more rigid gas permeable (GP) materials. Newer materials like silicone hydrogels also allow more oxygen to reach the eye, making the lenses more comfortable to wear.

Soft lenses are ideal for sporting activities because they fit closer to the eye and are more difficult to dislodge. GP lenses are more durable but often take a bit longer to get used to. Both soft and GP contact lenses can be designed for most prescriptions and offer patients both near and distance vision correction, just like a pair of bifocal or progressive glasses.

So, if you’ve been straining to read that small print or you feel like wearing glasses is a hassle, bifocal or progressive contact lenses may be the ideal solution for you.

Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical in Knoxville offers a variety of options for multifocal contact lenses. Dr. Travis Thompson can recommend the best contact lenses for you based on a complete eye examination and a discussion of your vision needs both at work and in leisure.

Since 2009, Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has provided the highest quality vision care products and trusted optometry services to our patients in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Our eye care professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional personal service to everyone who walks through our door. Call us at (865) 246-1500 or request an appointment online.