Have you started holding your phone farther away to read a text, or reaching for brighter light to see a menu? If you are in your 40s or beyond, you are not alone. This common change in near vision is called presbyopia, and it happens to nearly everyone as the eyes age. The good news is that many people who want to keep wearing contacts can do so with multifocal contact lenses. At Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear, we help patients in Fort Lauderdale find comfortable, clear options for seeing near, far and everything in between.
What Is Presbyopia?
Inside your eye is a natural lens that changes shape to help you focus on things up close. Over time, that lens gradually becomes less flexible. Usually somewhere around age 40, it becomes harder to focus on small print, phone screens and other close-up tasks. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging, not a disease, and it tends to progress gradually over the following years.
Common signs include:
- Holding books, phones or menus at arm’s length to read them
- Needing more light to read comfortably
- Eye strain or tired eyes after close work
- Blurry near vision while your distance vision still seems fine
If you already wear contacts for distance vision, you may notice that your usual lenses no longer let you see up close as easily as they once did.
How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?
Multifocal contact lenses have more than one prescription power built into each lens. Most designs place zones for near, intermediate and distance vision across the lens. Your eyes and brain learn to use the right part of the lens for what you are looking at, whether that is a road sign, your computer screen or a text message.
Multifocal lenses come in several types:
- Soft multifocal lenses: the most common option, available in daily disposable and monthly replacement schedules.
- Multifocal lenses for astigmatism: some designs correct astigmatism and presbyopia at the same time.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) multifocals: these can offer very crisp vision for some patients, especially those with certain corneal shapes.
You can learn more about the lens types we fit on our contact lenses page.
Other Contact Lens Options After 40
Multifocal lenses are not the only choice. Depending on your eyes and lifestyle, your eye doctor may also discuss:
- Monovision: one eye wears a lens for distance and the other wears a lens for near. Many people adapt well, though some notice a change in depth perception.
- Modified monovision: a multifocal lens in one or both eyes, adjusted to favor distance in one eye and near in the other.
- Distance contacts with reading glasses: a simple approach for people who only need help with occasional close work.
There is no one right answer for everyone. The best option depends on your prescription, how much time you spend on close work and screens, your hobbies and what feels natural to you.
What to Expect at Your Multifocal Contact Lens Fitting
Fitting multifocal contacts takes a little more time than fitting standard lenses, because your eye doctor is balancing vision at several distances. At your visit, we will:
- Check your vision at distance, intermediate and near
- Talk about your daily routine, such as driving, computer work, reading and outdoor activities
- Evaluate the health and surface of your eyes, including your tear film
- Place trial lenses so you can see how they feel and perform in everyday situations
It is normal for your brain to need some time to adapt to multifocal lenses. A follow-up visit lets us fine-tune the lens power or design if needed. Dry eyes can affect how clear and comfortable contacts feel, and dryness becomes more common with age and air conditioning. If that sounds familiar, our dry eye treatments may help.
Glasses Are a Great Partner to Contacts
Even if you love your contacts, an up-to-date pair of glasses gives your eyes a break and serves as a backup. For people over 40, progressive lenses offer clear vision at every distance without the visible line of traditional bifocals. Our progressives are custom Varilux and Hoya designs, and we can add Crizal anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from screens and headlights. For bright Fort Lauderdale days, Transitions light-adaptive lenses darken outdoors and clear indoors. Browse our eyeglasses, made with fast turnaround from our local lab.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do people need multifocal contacts?
Many people first notice near vision changes in their early to mid 40s, but it varies. If close-up tasks are getting harder, a comprehensive eye exam can show whether multifocal lenses or another option makes sense for you.
Can I wear multifocal contacts if I have astigmatism?
Often, yes. Some multifocal lenses also correct astigmatism. Your eye doctor will determine which designs fit your prescription and eyes.
Are multifocal contacts hard to get used to?
Most people need a short adjustment period as the brain learns to use the different zones of the lens. Follow-up visits help us adjust the fit and power for the clearest, most comfortable vision.
Do I need a new exam to switch to multifocal contacts?
Yes. A contact lens fitting is needed to choose the right lens design, power and fit, and to make sure your eyes stay healthy while wearing them.
Schedule a Multifocal Contact Lens Fitting in Fort Lauderdale
If reading up close is getting harder, you may not have to give up your contacts. Our team at Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear can help you explore multifocal lenses and other options that fit your eyes and lifestyle. Call or Text 954-763-2842, or request an appointment online.