What Are Varifocal Contact Lenses?

What Are Varifocal Contacts? 

Contact lenses have come a long way in recent years. They can improve your vision without you having to rely on traditional eyeglasses. One of the latest advancements in this technology is called varifocal lenses. Also called progressive or multifocal lenses, varifocals allow people to see clearly at all distances without needing two or more pairs of glasses. 

Read on to learn about how varifocal contacts work, who could benefit from them, and how they stack up to other vision correction solutions. 

How Do Varifocal Contact Lenses Work? 

Varifocals are different from single-vision contacts because they contain more than one prescription (or power) within each lens. This means that when you look at an object, different parts of eyesight are corrected for near, intermediate, and distance vision. You can focus on different objects or people without switching between glasses. 

Multifocal contacts come in soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP or hard) materials. Soft lenses tend to be more comfortable than RGP lenses, but RGP typically provides sharper vision. Both types of contacts are available in daily and extended wear. 

You may be able to choose from several types of varifocals depending on your eye health and vision needs. These can include: 

  Concentric varifocals – Concentric lenses often have a small "zone" in the center for viewing distant objects, surrounded by rings of alternating zones for near and distance vision. This design allows for smooth transitions between different distances.  Aspheric varifocals – Aspheric lenses feature a gradual transition between near and distant power zones. This offers a more natural user experience. Your eyes can learn to adjust without the need for constant refocusing.  Segmented contacts – Segmented lenses work similarly to bifocal glasses. The top part of the bifocal lens is designed for distance vision, while the bottom is suited for near vision. 

Who Benefits From Varifocal Contact Lenses? 

Multifocal contacts are useful for people who experience a natural decline in their near vision due to age. This is a condition known as presbyopia that typically begins to develop around age 40.  

Presbyopia occurs when the natural crystalline lens inside your eye loses some flexibility, making it hard to focus on objects at a close distance. Activities like reading, working on a computer, or using your phone can become challenging. Those who have presbyopia may want to consider a multifocal lens as a way to correct their near vision. 

Varifocals are also ideal for those who have presbyopia along with other refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. Combining two or more prescriptions into one reusable lens allows your eyes to focus properly at all distances without having to use several pairs of glasses. 

How Do Varifocal Contact Lenses Compare to Other Solutions? 

Varifocal contacts can offer a number of advantages over eyeglasses. These include: 

• Appearance – They offer a more natural appearance since there are no visible lines, as seen in bifocal and trifocal glasses.  
• Wider field of view – It's easier to be active with varifocals contacts since there is no frame to obstruct your vision. 
• Convenience – Varifocals are more convenient than having to wear separate pairs of glasses for distance and near vision. 
 

Trusted brands like ACUVUE, AIR OPTIX, Biofinity, and DAILIES offer varifocal contacts in multiple prescriptions to suit your needs. These lenses provide clear, uninterrupted vision at all distances.  

Adjusting to Varifocal Contact Lenses 

As with any new contact lens, it's normal to have a small adjustment period when switching to multifocals. This is because your eyes need time to adapt to the different zones. The good news is most people acclimate to their new vision within a few weeks. 

Your eye care professional can provide helpful guidance and support for making this transition. They may begin by checking your prescription and determining your candidacy for a varifocal lens. They can also help you anticipate what to expect as you adjust to your contacts. Book an eye examination today to learn about your options. 

How to Insert Varifocal Contact Lenses 

Varifocals are easily inserted and removed from the eye. Here are a few tips to help ensure successful and comfortable contact lens wear: 

• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. This helps prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting into your eye. 
• Make sure the lenses are facing the correct direction and have no tears or other imperfections. 
• If your vision is still blurry after insertion, take the lenses out and clean them. Check each contact to make sure it's not inside out before re-inserting. 
• If you experience discomfort or vision problems when wearing a multifocal contact lens, consult your eye care provider. 

Try Varifocal Contacts Today 

Multifocal lenses are convenient for people with presbyopia and other refractive errors. Now, there's no need to switch between glasses for different activities. See clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances with one convenient solution. 

ContactsDirect.com offers a wide selection of varifocal contacts from leading brands. Explore our selection of contact lenses today and achieve clear vision. We offer a variety of options, from daily disposable to extended-wear lenses.