New Multifocal Contact Lenses Helping People with Presbyopia

Do you have a bad case of presbyopia? Do you also wear regular glasses and want to make the switch to contacts, but aren't sure whether they make contact lenses for this condition? Well, you'll be happy to know that a number of contact manufacturers stock a range of very comfortable presbyopia contacts, which can be worn for varying lengths of time.

What is presbyopia and how can contacts help correct the problem?

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition that usually presents itself when you reach about 40 or 50 years of age, you will know that you have it because it becomes difficult to focus on objects that are close to your face. This condition is caused by the natural affects of aging, the curvature of our lenses becomes misshapen and the muscles that control focusing loses their strength making it difficult to quickly focus in on objects at certain distances. The usual course of action is to buy a pair of prescription glasses with bifocal lenses, these come with dual lens strengths allowing you to look down at a book and read it in the correct focus.

In the past people with Presbyopia weren't able to wear contacts, but thanks to advances in medical science there are now new forms of multifocal contact lenses that correct your long and short sight. Presbyopia contacts are usually made of silicone hydrogel just like many other forms allowing higher levels of liquid retention and a good amount of oxygen to seep through to your eyes surface. The difference lies in the way that they help your eyes focus on near and far distances, here are the 3 options that are currently available for your consideration:

1. Alternating Bifocal lenses - This type of presbyopia contact lens mimics standard bifocal lenses, the lower half of the contact lens is for viewing close objects while the central and top part is for far away objects. Alternating bifocal lenses usually come as hard gas permeable contacts, so they will stay in place when you move your eyes to alternate between focal points.

2. Concentric ring lenses - This is a new idea that uses light intensity falling on objects to focus your vision, for example objects closer to you will have more light on them then something further away. The contacts have ring bands with different lens powers, which change as they get further away from the central point; when light reflects off an object close to you; your pupils expand to let in more light and focus on a certain ring on the contact.

3. Aspheric multi focus lenses - This form of lens uses a similar design as the concentric ring lens, but the left and right contacts have different focal powers. The idea is that when the left and right eye work together your brain can selectively pick out the right focus for the specific objects distance. It takes about 2 weeks for your eyes to get used to, but so far this is the most popular and comfortable form of presbyopia contact lenses.

Types of presbyopia multifocal contact lenses

If you're interested in buying a pair of presbyopia correcting contact lenses then you have plenty of choices, there are several good quality brand names that will offer you a decent pair to fit your situation. The best way to distinguish which type of lens is best for your eye condition is to consult your optician, he or she can help you choose a particular brand. To help you consider your options here are several of the most popular products currently available in major optical stores:

• Bausch & Lomb Purevision Multifocals - This Company is well known for creating durable and comfortable lenses; they have come up with their own Purevision multifocal contacts lens made from the latest silicone hydrogel material with a 36% water content and oxygen permeable surface. These contacts can be worn for up to 1 month before they need replacing, and have a unique shape that easily slips on to your eye ball with ease.

• Ciba Vision Air Optix Aqua Multifocal - This multifocal contact lens allows for a smooth transition between near and far sight focusing, by making use of the concentric ring design. The unique 'Aqua Moisture System' by Air Optix Aqua Multifocal allows up to 5 times more oxygen through the lens than traditional hydrogel soft multifocal lenses.

• Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia Contacts - These presbyopia delivers a number of benefits that include; accelerated stabilization design for clear, crisp vision all day, Hydraclear Plus Technology brings a remarkable moisture rich wetting agent with high performace base materials to form clear, wettable lenses resulting in a unique, silky, soft feel. Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia technology promises sharp and clear vision in all situations; short distance, long distance and between as well as at various lighting conditions.

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