Bifocal Contact Lenses in Beverly Hills
Bifocal contact lenses correct vision at more than one distance, so patients can see up close and far away without switching to reading glasses. Visioncare Associates has fit specialty contact lenses since 1964, and Dr. Shily fits bifocal and multifocal lenses for patients with presbyopia at the Beverly Hills office.
What Are Bifocal Contact Lenses?
Bifocal contact lenses have two prescriptions in one lens: one for distance vision and one for near vision. Multifocal lenses work in a similar way, with a gradual change in power that also covers intermediate distances, such as a computer screen.
Bifocal and multifocal lenses come in soft and gas permeable materials. Dr. Shily recommends a lens type based on the patient’s prescription, eye health and daily activities.
Who Bifocal Lenses Can Help
Patients With Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus up close. It usually becomes noticeable in the 40s, when reading small print or looking at a phone becomes harder. Bifocal lenses correct near and distance vision at the same time.
Current Contact Lens Wearers
Patients who already wear contact lenses for distance vision can often switch to bifocal lenses instead of wearing reading glasses over their contacts.
Patients Who Want an Alternative to Glasses
Bifocal contact lenses are an option for patients who prefer not to wear bifocal or progressive glasses for work or sports.
Types of Bifocal Contact Lenses
Simultaneous Vision Lenses
These lenses have distance and near powers placed close together. The eye and brain learn to use the power needed for what the patient is looking at.
Alternating Vision Lenses
These gas permeable lenses have separate distance and near zones. The lens shifts position when the patient looks down to read, much like bifocal glasses.
Monovision
With monovision, one eye wears a lens for distance and the other wears a lens for near vision. Dr. Shily may discuss this option if bifocal lenses are not the best fit.
The Bifocal Lens Fitting Process
Fitting bifocal lenses takes more time than fitting single-vision lenses, because the lenses must work for both near and far vision.
1. Eye Exam and Measurements
Dr. Shily reviews the patient’s vision needs and checks eye health. The office uses Zeiss corneal topography and keratometry to measure the shape of the cornea.
2. Trial Lenses
The patient tries a lens design in the office, then wears it during daily activities to see how it works for reading and driving.
3. Follow-Up Visits
At follow-up visits, Dr. Shily checks vision and comfort and adjusts the lens power or design as needed.