Typically, when people think of bifocals, they think of bifocal eyeglasses. These eyeglasses have a reputation for being common among older people because of how many people over 40 develop presbyopia, but bifocals can be worn by anyone. Bifocal lenses are specifically designed to help people see at two different distances, with one part of the lens for near vision and one part for distance vision. But bifocals are not only limited to eyeglasses anymore. Bifocal contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular and they offer an option for people who don’t want to wear eyeglasses. There are several different types of bifocal contact lenses to choose from. We will discuss these types of bifocal contact lenses to help you make an informed decision about your vision.
Bifocal Contact Lens Options
If you are considering bifocal contact lenses, the first step is to speak to your optometrist. An optometrist will recommend a type of bifocal contact lens and perform a contact lens fitting exam to prepare comfortable and vision-accurate contact lenses. There are several different options available for bifocal contact lenses, but each option will take time to adjust to. When you first wear your bifocal contact lenses, you may want to avoid driving until you get used to looking through your new lenses.
Concentric Bifocal Contact Lenses
These contact lenses have different rings of vision; the centre of the contact lens is one prescription and the outer edge is another prescription. Typically, the centres of these bifocal contact lenses are used for distance vision and the outer section is used for near vision. Concentric contact lenses can be designed as either multi or bifocal contact lenses. These are the most common form of bifocal contact lenses and they work well for many people.
Aspheric Bifocal Contact Lenses
These bifocal contact lenses are very similar to concentric bifocal contact lenses. These also have different prescriptions in a bull’s eye formation, but for this type of contact lens, the prescription has a blended transition to make the prescription change less abrupt. These bifocal contact lenses are similar to progressive bifocal eyeglasses and they are highly beneficial for people with high-order refractive errors.
Segmented Bifocal Contact Lenses
These bifocal contact lenses also have two prescriptions in a single lens, but whereas concentric lenses have their prescriptions centred like a bull’s eye, segmented bifocal contact lenses have one prescription at the bottom and one at the top. Because of the top and bottom prescription difference, these bifocal contact lenses are designed very similarly to regular bifocal eyeglasses. Segmented bifocal contact lenses are only available as rigid gas permeable contact lenses and they are highly customized. These contact lenses are ideal for people with astigmatism or for people who want breathable contact lenses that won’t dry out.
Monovision Contact Lenses
Unlike the other forms of bifocal contact lenses, monovision contact lenses do not have more than one prescription in a single contact lens. Instead, each eye wears a different prescription. A contact lens designed for distance vision will be worn on your dominant eye and a contact lens for close vision will be worn on your non-dominant eye. Your eyes will naturally switch focus from one eye to the other depending if you’re looking at a distance or near object. Monovision contact lenses are very beneficial for people who spend a lot of time using computers.
Bifocal Contact Lenses In Calgary
If you need bifocal lenses but don’t want to wear eyeglasses, bifocal contact lenses are the solution. These specialty contact lenses allow you to see both near and far with ease. At Blink Eyewear, our optometrists will determine the right prescription and contact shape during a contact lens exam and our opticians will help you learn how to put your contact lenses in and take them out. Our staff can answer any questions you have about your new bifocal contact lenses so that your eyes are comfortable and your vision is clear.
With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.