Varifocal contact lenses are proof that lens technology has continued to advance. Whilst varifocal glasses were the original game changers for those in need of vision correction at near, far and mid-distances, these innovative contact lenses can now also provide clear vision for those with presbyopia.
So, how do they work? What is presbyopia? And what are the advantages of varifocal contacts? We’ll answer all of these questions and talk about costs, types of varifocal contacts and brands so you can decide whether varifocal contacts are right for you.
How Do Varifocal Contact Lenses Work?
Also known as multifocal contact lenses, these work using something called simultaneous vision. They are designed to have different zones for near and far vision, which are blended seamlessly to ensure a smooth, gradual transition from one prescription to the next. This ultimately means that your eyes will use the specific zone required, depending on where you are looking.
Presbyopia and Varifocal Contacts
Varifocal lenses are used by people with presbyopia, a condition that usually develops past the age of 40. This is a completely natural part of the ageing process. In fact, around 1.8 billion people worldwide have presbyopia, according to research published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Why does presbyopia occur? It’s all to do with the natural lenses that sit within your eyes. These lenses harden over time, which makes them less flexible. So, when you try to focus on something close to you, such as a computer screen or book you’re reading, your lens cannot change shape enough to allow you to focus clearly.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as some medications, including certain antidepressants and antispasmodics, can put you at greater risk of developing presbyopia earlier.
The first signs of presbyopia that many people notice include difficulty reading small print in low lighting, temporary blurring of vision when changing focus and eye strain when reading for a long time. Thankfully, vision correction with varifocal glasses or contact lenses can effectively restore impaired vision caused by presbyopia. So, why choose contacts over glasses?
The Benefits of Varifocal Contacts
Varifocal glasses may have been around longer than their contact lens counterparts, but comparatively, they aren’t always the most comfortable experience for wearers.
This is because switching focus from near to far or vice versa often requires moving your neck forward or back to adjust your line of sight to the section of your varifocal glasses with the appropriate prescription. As a result, wearers can often experience dizziness or headaches at first as they struggle to adjust their focus.
Varifocal contact lenses, on the other hand, offer a seamless visual experience at all distances as the prescription lenses sit right up against your eyes with no need for you to adjust your head position to benefit from their vision correction.
Of course, for those unfamiliar with contact lenses, it can take a little time to adjust to wearing and caring for contacts but this is simply a matter of practice and routine. The visual experience itself takes a little adjustment if any.
Types of Varifocal Lenses
Here at Camden Contact Lens Centre, one of London’s largest contact lens suppliers, we stock a comprehensive range including: daily multifocal contact lenses, monthly multifocal contact lenses, soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.
Daily disposables offer greater freedom for those who don’t want to deal with the upkeep of cleaning and storing their contacts. Simply wear your contacts for up to 12 hours and dispose of them in the bin after use. These lenses are sometimes preferable for people with allergies, as there is less risk of allergens building up on them.
Meanwhile, monthly lenses require careful cleaning and storage in contact lens fluid at the end of every day. However, they are more cost-effective, especially for those who want to permanently leave behind their varifocal glasses.
As specialists in multifocal contact lenses, we can advise you on which lenses will best suit your vision, lifestyle and budget. But what about brands?
Which Brand?
Whichever type of multifocal contacts you opt for, you still have a variety of choices in terms of the brand you pick. Our multifocal contact lens brands include some of the world’s leading manufacturers, such as Acuvue, CooperVision and Bausch & Lomb. We only select tried and trusted brands, so whatever you choose, you can rest assured of the quality of your lenses.
How Much Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Cost?
Wearing contact lenses of any kind involves an ongoing cost, so you may be concerned about how much you’ll need to spend. This is a worry that we’ve taken on board here at Camden Contact Lens Centre, which is why we provide an Eye Care Plan.
By signing up, you can enjoy a low monthly cost for your multifocal contacts with 25% off, plus your first one month of lenses completely free. After your initial sign up fee, all you need to pay is £10 a month and you will also benefit from free contact lens check-ups and eye tests, so we can ensure your visual needs continue to be met.
Are You Ready to See Better?
If you’re considering varifocal contacts, our contact lens experts are here to help. Book your appointment with Camden Contact Lens Centre today and we’ll get started on finding the right fit for your vision!
