Varifocal Contact Lenses
Also know as bifocal, multifocal and progressive contact lenses
Correct vision at all distances
With varifocal contact lenses you will be able to see near, middle and distance objects. Perfect for those who are tired of constantly changing their standard pair of eyeglasses. Using varifocal contact lenses people with nearsightness and farsightness will kill two birds with one stone. Presbyopia is a reason why someone should consider wearing varifocal contacts.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia (Greek word for “elder”) is a condition that usually occurs to most people in their mid-forties. When lens lose elasticity it’s harder to focus on objects that are close to you. For instance, characters in books become blurred, that’s why some people read books with arms strecthed. This process is physiological and is common among all of us though there are of course small differences between individuals.
Symptoms of presbyopia
- troubles while reading tiny print (especially in low light conditions)
- eyestrain when focusing on near objects (reading, etc.)
Types of varifocal contact lenses
- Alternating vision lenses
Alternating or Translating vision lenses are very similar to the way bifocal and multifocal eyeglasses work except that the contact is in your eye instead of in front of your eyes like eyeglasses.
The bottom section of the lens is used for close-up focusing and the upper section is used for long-distance object focusing.
Some people won’t like alternating vision lenses because they are very specific and are pretty much useless if you use them when working on the computer or doing any other middle-distance vision work.
- Simultaneous vision lenses
Simultaneous vision lenses are more complex but also much more effective and flexible than alternating vision lenses. This type of lenses allow eyes to focus both on near and far objects. I won’t get into the confusing details, let’s just say that human brain somehow adapts and assist you to use the focus ability that you need in particular moment.
Varifocal contact lenses alternatives
Most widely spread alternative for varifocal contact lenses is monovision which combines two lenses – first is for distance vision and the second is for near vision. Usually dominant eye is used for distance-sighted vision and non-dominant eye for near-sighted vision. It’s really amazing how our brains work – they will combine information from each eye into one picture.
Wearing monovision takes time for eyes to adjust but in a month your mind will get used to focus long-distance objects with one eye and near-object with other.
Reasons to use varifocal lenses
As mentioned before it’s great way to correct your vision for all distances.
You don’t need to change spectacles when switching between watching TV and reading.
You will look prettier without glasses, hey it’s natural! In case you wear bifocal eyeglasses – most people who once tried varifocal contact lenses never looked back because it’s easier and more comfortable. Contact lenses give you so much freedom that you simply have to try them.
If you’ve never tried contact lenses, you’ll be amazed how easy they are to take in and out and how comfortable they are to wear.
