Presbyopia, otherwise known as age-related far-sightedness, is an age-related condition that gradually affects our ability to focus on close-up objects. As such, a common side effect involves the loss of the ability to see near objects (i.e. books, cell phones, recipes, etc.). Many notice this most once they start having to hold reading materials at an arm’s length distance to view them. Due to the blurred vision that one may see up close, it can cause eye fatigue and frontal/temple headaches while on the computer or reading. Although there are no ways to stop or reverse the effects of presbyopia, there are ways to help eliminate its symptoms. Namely, contact lenses, and/or glasses.

What are Contact Lenses?

These are a type of medical device used to help correct vision. In the U.S., they are deemed as medical devices, meaning that a prescription is needed to order contact lenses. For presbyopia, many people look to wearing contact lenses so they can ditch needing to reach for reading glasses, or to avoid having to wear bifocal or progressive glasses. The two ways that contact lenses can help with presbyopia are through monovision or multifocal contact lenses.

What is Monovision?

Monovision involves wearing a contact lens on the non-dominant eye to correct near vision. For the dominant eye, a contact lens may be worn (if needed) to help correct distance vision. This method works by tricking our brains. Normal distance viewing involves suppressing your non-dominant eye by allowing the dominant eye to take over. With monovision, the brain needs to adapt to use the dominant eye to view distance vision, but the non-dominant eye for near vision.
 

What are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

These are contact lenses that correct for both distance and near vision in the same lens, which may provide a more natural viewing than using monovision. By incorporating different prescriptions in different areas of the lens, these lenses can help correct distance, intermediate, and near. The different areas, where the different prescriptions reside, have a smooth transition allowing the wearer to not have to worry about looking up or down in the lenses to find the correct power. Because of this, it may allow its wearers to see multiple distances without needing reading glasses or bifocals.

What are the Expectations of Contact Lenses for Presbyopia?

Contact lenses for presbyopia may be a great way for some people to eliminate the need for glasses. However, some general expectations may need to be understood before undergoing fitting for these types of lenses:

1.     Adaptation period: it may take some time (i.e. 1-2 weeks) for the wearers’ eyes and brain to adjust to multifocal contact lenses or monovision. Common side effects of this adaptation period may include slight blurriness or difficulty with depth perception.
 

2.     Visual trade-offs: while convenient, these lenses do have their trade-offs. Furthermore, wearers may experience reduced contrast sensitivity or slightly compromised visual acuity compared to single-vision (distance-only) contact lenses or glasses.
 

3.     Multiple follow-ups: because we are dealing with more than one distance while wearing these lenses, there may be required follow-ups to adjust the contact lenses.

Final Thoughts

It is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable type of contact lenses for your specific needs and prescription. They will consider factors such as your eye health, lifestyle, and visual requirements to recommend the best option. If you have started to experience signs of presbyopia and are interested in contact lenses to help with it, schedule your next appointment today to talk with our doctor.
 

Dr. Tyler Nelson