Multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct presbyopia, a natural age-related condition where the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia typically affects people over the age of 40, causing difficulty with reading or seeing things up close.

How Multifocal Contact Lenses Work:

●     Multiple Prescriptions in One Lens: Multifocal lenses incorporate different powers within the same lens to correct vision at various distances—near, intermediate (for tasks like computer use), and far. This eliminates the need for switching between reading glasses and regular glasses.

●     Types of Multifocal Designs:

1.    Simultaneous Vision Design: Both near and far focusing powers are in front of the pupil at the same time. The brain adjusts to choose which part of the lens to focus through based on the distance of the object.

■     Concentric Rings: The lens has rings of different powers for distance and near vision.

■     Aspheric Design: Gradual change from distance to near power, similar to progressive glasses.

2.    Segmented Design (Translating Lenses): The lens has distinct zones for distance and near vision, much like bifocal glasses. The lens shifts as the eye moves to focus on different distances.

Correction of Prescriptions:

●     Distance Vision: The outer or central portion of the lens typically corrects distance vision, helping with activities like driving.

●     Near Vision: Another zone (or the center, depending on the design) corrects near vision, improving the ability to read or do close-up tasks.

●     Intermediate Vision: Some multifocal lenses also correct intermediate vision, ideal for tasks like computer use or viewing objects at arm’s length.

These lenses allow a smooth transition between different viewing distances, making them an ideal solution for people with presbyopia.