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At some point you may need bifocals, whether you have had 20/20 vision all your life or have worn corrective glasses for many years.

Many people with vision concerns can use bifocal contact lens.

When you might want to get bifocal contacts and when you might not, read on to learn more.

You probably can. Many people enjoy the freedom that bifocal contact lens give them and find they can wear them successfully.

If you have never worn contacts before, there is a learning curve.

They are multifocal, which means there are three different focal points for seeing things at a distance, intermediate vision, and close up.

Multifocal contact lens are a type of bifocal contact lens. They have more than one prescription in a single contact lens. There are several different types available.

These include:

  • soft contact lenses: These are made from breathable plastic that lets oxygen flow easily to your cornea. Some soft lenses are made from silicone hydrogel.
  • rigid gas-permeable contact lenses: These lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses. They’re resistant to deposit buildup and provide crisp, clear vision.
  • extended-wear contact lenses: These can be worn for up to 30 days, and are available as soft lenses.

Bifocal (or multifocal) contacts are often used to correct age-related presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition that happens to everyone, typically around age 40.

It refers to a decline in the ability to focus on things that are close to you.

Multifocal contacts are also used to correct astigmatism and refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Bifocal contacts have two prescriptions in one lens.

They allow you to focus on objects that are close to your eyes and those that are far away. They correct both near and farsightedness at the same time.

There are different ways of integrating your prescriptions with bifocal contact lens. The two most common types are.

  • segmented bifocals: These have a separate section for each prescription, the way lined bifocal eyeglasses do. Usually, the prescription for near vision will be on the bottom, and the one for distance vision will be on top.
  • concentric bifocals: These have a circular design, and the distance vision prescription tends to be in the middle, with the near vision prescription in a surrounding ring. They’re also available with the near prescription in the center and distance prescription on the edge.

The cost of your glasses will be determined by the type you have. Standard contacts are usually cheaper than multifocal ones.

“If you don’t have insurance, you will pay up to $1,500 per year for glasses.”

If you have comprehensive vision insurance and your provider covers prescription contacts, they may also cover multifocal contacts. You may have a copay or deductible for the cost of your glasses.

The materials and designs used to make the contact lenses on this list are what made them comfortable and clear.

We looked for the right lens that felt good in the eye. These have a high water content or allow oxygen to pass through freely. Some are designed to eliminate dry eye symptoms.

Features such as UV protection and surface protection from debris were looked at.

The contact lens that you purchase is from a trusted manufacturer.

Pricing guide per box

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = over $50

Best for comfort

CooperVision Biofinity Multifocal

  • Price: $
  • Type: monthly

CooperVision Aquaform Technology makes these disposable lenses. The brand claims that this material gives you 100% of the oxygen you need. Reviewers agree that the lens are comfortable and clear.

You can change the correction zones to your prescription with Biofinity multifocal contact lenses.

Free shipping and returns are included with these lenses.

Pros

  • reviewers note that they have clear vision
  • Users say they are comfortable for all day wear.
  • There is a money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Not available in daily glasses.
  • Some users found these not good for their eyes.
Shop now at Lens.com

Best for dry eye

Bausch and Lomb Ultra Contact Lenses for Presbyopia

  • Price: $
  • Type: monthly

“The disposable contacts come with a technology. They are a good choice for people with dry eye. They are made with a substance that helps hold onto the water. The manufacturer says that the lenses retain 98% of their water for 16 hours. Users say that these lenses don’t burn or stinging.”

The natural inability to focus on close objects is what causes presbyopia. These contacts have a blue tint because it would be hard to see something small.

Online reviews say that these are comfortable even during all day wear. They are designed to In low light, reduce halos and glare., making them ideal for night driving.

Pros

  • They are comfortable for all day wear.
  • The design addresses near, intermediate, and distance vision.
  • In low light, reduce halos and glare.

Cons

  • You must clean and store these according to the directions.
Shop now at Lens.com

Best for UV protection

CooperVision clariti 1 Day Multifocal

  • Price: $$
  • Type: daily

Oxygen can be freely passed through the comfilcon A disposable lens, which may increase comfort.

They have a high water content. UV protection is provided by these lenses.

This manufacturer partners with Plastic Bank to collect and remove ocean-bound plastics from coastal areas. For each package of clariti 1 lenses sold, an equal amount of plastic is collected from beaches and recycled.

Pros

  • UV rays can cause damage to eyes.
  • It is advisable to have a high water content for comfort.
  • Sales go toward protecting the environment.

Cons

  • Canada and some other countries may not have international shipping available.
Shop now at CooperVision

Best for moisture

Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia

  • Price: $$
  • Type: daily

These lenses may be good for people with astigmatism. They also have a high water content, which helps make them a comfortable choice for people with dry eye. According to the manufacturer, these lenses keep your eyes 78% hydrated after 16 hours of use. That’s the same level that your natural eye would have.

They have three zones, one for distance, one for near and one in between.

Pros

  • Have a high water content.
  • It is designed for use with digital devices.

Cons

  • Some users say they are hard to remove without eye drops.
Shop now at 1-800 Contacts

Best for all types of lighting

1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST Multifocal Contact Lenses

  • Price: $
  • Type: daily

These are disposables.

They are made from a material that is comfortable and designed to allow maximum levels of oxygen to reach your eye.

They have a design that is center-near. UV protection is provided by them.

Some people with dry eye say that the glasses are very comfortable. The hydration, oxygenation, and lens design support sharp vision in bright and dim light.

Pros

  • Provide clear, sharp vision in dim and bright light.
  • “The eyes are protected from the sun’s harmful rays.”
  • Users say they are good for dry eye.

Cons

  • Some users say the lens moves around on the eye.
Shop now at Warby Parker

Best for long-term, overnight use

Alcon Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde Multifocal

  • Price: $$
  • Type: monthly

These disposable soft contacts It can be worn for up to 6 nights in a row., making them a good choice for people on the go.

Each lens is designed to promote moisture levels on the surface of your eye, even during extended wear. Just keep in mind that sleeping in contacts is not recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Pros

  • It can be worn for up to 6 nights in a row.
  • It is designed to keep your eyes dry.

Cons

  • Not available as a daily contact.
Shop now at 1-800 Contacts

Product Price Type
CooperVision Biofinity Multifocal $$ monthly
Bausch and Lomb Ultra Contact Lenses for Presbyopia $ monthly
CooperVision clariti 1 Day Multifocal $$ daily
Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia $$ daily
1-Day ACUVUE MOIST Multifocal Contact Lenses $ daily
Alcon Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde Multifocal $$ monthly

Some people find a positive difference immediately, while others take a couple of weeks to adjust.

You may not be able to adjust to any type of multifocal contact lens. Some people give up too quickly, before they have time to adjust to changing prescriptions.

If trial contact lens are included in the cost of a contact lens fitting, you should know about it. You can try out different types before buying.

Some contact lens brands, like CooperVision, have free trial offers.

What are the cons of bifocal contacts?

Multifocal contacts can make it difficult to wear.

Others complain about headaches. It is possible that this will happen in people who do a lot of close-up reading on a computer screen or people who drive long distances.

If you have dry eye, you may not be comfortable wearing multifocal contacts. There are, however, multifocal contacts with high water content that many people with this condition say are comfortable.

Do bifocal contacts work?

Yes. Multifocal contact lens give you the ability to see close and far away. You may have a learning curve with any type of eyewear. You should be able to see clearly through your eyes once you get used to it.

How long does it take to get used to bifocal contacts?

It can take up to 2 weeks to get used to wearing multifocal lens. You can wear them all day without reverting to your previous eyewear. You should get used to them over time if you stick with it.

What are the disadvantages of bifocal lenses?

“Some people complain about vision problems when wearing bifocals. When you climb down a flight of stairs, it may be difficult to look down until you get used to them. Bifocals don’t provide the same range of vision as progressives. Multifocals have three vision ranges, unlike bifocals which have two. This makes a transition easier for some people.”

Is there an alternative to bifocals?

If you prefer, you can use two sets of eyeglasses instead of multifocal contact lens. You can talk to your eye care professional about multifocals.

Bifocal contact lens are used to treat vision issues.

Bifocal contacts are available for daily and long-term use.

Bifocal contacts are very comfortable and effective for correcting vision problems.

Bifocal contacts can be filled at a wide range of online consumer sites and eyewear stores.