Bifocal lenses are commonly known as eyeglasses that correct two different vision problems. More specifically, they help clarify vision in two viewing zones - a near one and a far one. Simply put, bifocal lenses have a section you look through to see objects that are up close more clearly and a section that you look through to see objects that are at a greater distance more clearly. Bifocal lenses are typically prescribed for patients who are diagnosed with presbyopia.
Bifocal lenses were invented by Benjamin Franklin. He constructed the very first pair of bifocals with convex lenses in the lower half of the eyeglass frame and less convex lenses in the upper half. These original bifocal lenses contained a line that spanned the entire width of the lens. At the beginning of the 20th century, bifocal lenses saw improvements such as the smaller, half-moon shaped bifocal segment.
If you have been diagnosed for presbyopia, you may think that bifocal eyeglasses are your only option. You may have worn bifocals for many years and may be used to them. Whether you are ready for a change or you have just recently discovered that you have presbyopia, you'll be glad to know that there are contact lens versions of bifocal lenses currently available on the market.
Bifocal Contact Lenses
Bifocal contacts, similarly to bifocal eyeglasses, simply contain two prescription strengths within the same lens. Many times bifocal contact lenses are referred to as multifocal contact lenses. Below is an explanation of how bifocal contact lenses work.
Alternating Bifocal Contact Lenses
Alternating bifocal contact lenses are also referred to as "translating bifocals." This version of the multifocal contact lens is the most similar to traditional bifocal eyewear. Alternating bifocal contacts contain two fields of strength with a clear definition between the two. The division
is generally a horizontal one along the middle of the lens with distance vision correction in the top segment and near vision correction in the lower segment.
With bifocal eyeglasses, the method works because the lenses always stay in place, even as your pupils shift downward or upward. Contact lenses, especially soft ones generally move with your pupils somewhat - so how do alternating bifocal contact lenses work? The answer is simple. Most alternating bifocal contact lenses are gas permeable lenses. Gas permeable lenses are smaller in diameter than soft contact lenses and they ride up on your eye in order to rest on or above your lower eyelid. Because of this, when your pupil shifts downward, the lens stays put so that you can see through the lower half of the lens where the near vision correction strength is.
Are Bifocal Contact Lenses Right for Me?
Just like anything else, bifocal contact lenses may not work for everyone. In fact, until recent years, bifocal contacts weren't very popular because many people found them uncomfortable and unsatisfactory. The good news is that today, new technology has produced a higher quality bifocal contact lens that is more comfortable and easier to use. Technology has also lent itself to provide a much greater variety of designs to suit almost any user. Furthermore, eye care professionals have become more creative in their uses of bifocal contact lenses for vision correction and treatment of presbyopia. Of course, which bifocal contact lenses are right for you is a decision that will be made jointly by you and your eye doctor. Now that you know more about bifocal contact lenses, make sure to ask your doctor about all the different types of bifocal contact lens treatments that are available to treat your specific vision problem.
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