The multiple levels of vision corrective powers offered by multifocal contact lenses makes it easy for eyes to adjust. The multifocal contact lenses reviews of various products available in the market are presented below.
The human eye lens tends to lose its elastic properties after the age of 40 yr. It is during this period that overlapping of farsightedness and short-sightedness takes place; the condition is known as presbyopia. Multifocal lenses prove to be useful in correcting this vision problem. The concentric bifocal lenses are made up of two circles. The smaller circle is used for near correction, while the larger one is used for distance correction. Specialty of multifocal lenses is that unlike the concentric bifocal contact lenses which provide two levels of corrective powers, multifocal lenses create them at multiple levels. Let us take a look at the different types of multifocal contact lenses, their working and specialty of various products.
Simultaneous and translating (alternating) are the two different types of multifocal contact lenses. Specialty of these lenses is that material used to manufacture them is gas-permeable (GP). The lenses are therefore, also known as GP lenses. The simultaneous lenses provide a clear vision of near as well as distant objects. Different powers of multifocal lenses could be in different areas or uniformly present throughout the lens. If the different powers are present throughout the lens, one power fades into the other.
Translating lenses are similar to bifocal ones and they are divided into two sections: one for close viewing and the other for viewing distant objects. Bottom portion of translating lenses is meant for correcting the near vision. Top portion of these lenses are meant for correction of distance vision. Hybrid multifocal contact lenses possess a hard inner section and soft outer one. These lenses offer the utility of crisp and clear vision provided by hard contact lenses. One of the advantages of using this lens is that the eyes are not required to make adjustments unlike in case of hard contact lenses.
Review of Multifocal Contact Lenses
Details of the multifocal lenses including product descriptions and their costs are provided in this article. Multifocal contact lenses review presented in the following paragraphs would help in choosing a product that suits your needs.
Soflens Multifocal
The Soflens multifocal lenses are manufactured for comfortable viewing at all distances. Transition between the short and long distance viewing becomes easy due to the ‘Natra-Sight Optics’ feature. These lenses contain around 38% of water; the tint makes them quite easy to handle. These colored contact lenses however, do not change the eye color. The lens has to be removed every night and kept in a solution. These lenses are discarded after 2 weeks of use. A single box of these multifocal lenses manufactured by the ‘Bausch & Lomb’ company is priced at $33 and contains 6 pieces.
Proclear Multifocal
The common problems of aging eyes i.e. presbyopia and dry eyes are resolved with this contact lens. The products are therefore, suitable for dry eyes. The ‘Balanced Progressive Technology’ of these lenses help in providing a clear vision at every distance. The ‘PC Technology’ allows the lens to stay moist throughout the day and provides comfort to eyes. The phosphorylcholine or PC molecules attract water and therefore, the eyes stay moist. A single box of Proclear Multifocal contact lenses contains 6 pieces and it is priced at $52.
Frequency 55 Multifocal
These lenses are suited for people suffering from presbyopia. Methafilcon (55%), a polymer is used to manufacture these lenses. Water content of the lens is 45%. The Frequency 55 Multifocal lens is manufactured by CooperVision and costs around $45. Each pack of the Frequency 55 Multifocal contains 6 pieces that are kept immersed in a buffered saline solution.
Proclear Multifocal Toric
The Proclear Multifocal Toric lens provides a crisp and clear vision for short as well as longer distances. These lenses are prescribed for people with astigmatism and provide comfort to the eyes. The PC technology helps in attracting water molecules and therefore, the lens remains moist even after 12 hours. Omafilcon A is a material used to manufacture these lenses; water content of the lens is around 59%. A single pack of Proclear Multifocal Toric contains 6 lenses and it is priced at $130. Its use for both presbyopia and astigmatism gives the Proclear Multifocal Toric an edge over other products.
Sometimes, it happens that multifocal contact lenses won’t work i.e. the eyes cannot adjust to them. In such cases your eye care doctor can help you get full or partial refund on the products being purchased. The reviews presented in the article give us a rough idea about different properties and qualities to look out for in contact lens products. The pros and cons of multifocal contact lenses should be taken into account and a product that is best suited for eyes should be chosen.
