Bifocal Contact Lenses

Up until recently the only choice that people affected by presbyopia had was an eyeglass prescription. The look at first was quite noticeable, with a line cutting horizontally across each lens. People wearing bifocal eyeglasses tended to keep the glasses perched towards the tip of the nose and the head would adjust upwards or down, depending on whether the person was looking close up or far away. The line along the lens gave way to clear lenses, and that was a huge improvement. Then finally, the bifocal contact lens was created.

Bifocal contact lenses are becoming more popular with each passing year, especially as the elderly strive to fight the signs of aging. Like the eyeglass lens, each bifocal contact lens actually includes two different prescriptions. One of the prescriptions will be such that distance vision, if it's a problem, will be corrected. The second of the two prescriptions will enhance near distance.

There are three ways that the two prescriptions can be situated on a contact lens. Both of the prescriptions can be centered within the cornea so that they are within the boundaries of the pupil. With this placement, the eyes learn to decide and adjust to the prescription that's needed at the moment. That is known as simultaneous placement.

Translating placement is similar to that of bifocal eyeglass lenses - the top portion of the lens has the prescription for near vision and the bottom half has the prescription for distance. Another option is the placement of the different prescriptions in concentric circles with one prescription situated in the outermost circle, and the other within the inner circle.

Bifocal contact lenses are readily available as all the major manufacturers now produce at least one version. They are just as effective at correcting presbyopia as eyeglass prescriptions, so the decision as to which is better is based on the individual and his or her willingness to put forth the extra effort needed to wear and care for bifocal contact lenses. In addition to the various prescription placement options, wearers can choose bifocal contact lenses in extended wear, daily wear and disposable styles.

Someone new to wearing bifocal contact lenses should expect an adjustment period as the eye needs time to learn how to adjust to the different prescriptions. At first, vision can cause a feeling of being 'off-balance' and this can be bothersome but it does pass. It may be necessary to switch to a different type of prescription placement, but once the right one is found, there should be no further problems.