Contact Lenses for Presbyopia

Presbyopia occurs when the lens of the eye gradually hardens with age, making it less flexible and harder to focus on nearby objects. Most people begin noticing the change around age 40, and vision continues to decline gradually until around age 65. Unlike other refractive errors, presbyopia affects nearly everyone eventually regardless of prior vision history, with experts estimating close to two billion people worldwide are affected.

The condition is most commonly corrected with progressive or bifocal eyeglasses, but multifocal contact lenses are also an effective and increasingly preferred option. Multifocal contacts incorporate multiple prescription strengths into a single lens to address near, intermediate, and distance vision without the need to switch between separate pairs of glasses.

Contact lenses for presbyopia incorporate multiple prescription powers in a single lens and come in two main optical designs. Simultaneous vision designs divide the lens into near and distance zones, with the wearer's visual system selecting the appropriate zone depending on what is being viewed. Segmented designs work like bifocal glasses, placing distance power in the upper portion and near power in the lower portion.

Contact lenses for presbyopia are available in both soft and rigid gas-permeable materials, and soft lenses come in daily, biweekly, and monthly replacement schedules.

Lens designs for presbyopia:

• Concentric - distance power in center surrounded by alternating near and distance rings
• Aspheric - gradual power transition from center outward
• Segmented - distance power on top, near power on bottom, similar to bifocal glasses

Lens materials available:

• Soft hydrogel or silicone hydrogel - conforms to the eye for immediate comfort and high oxygen transmission
• Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) - stays in position better and can provide sharper optics, but requires a longer adjustment period of several weeks

Several leading brands offer multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia across daily and monthly replacement schedules. Your eye care professional can confirm which lens design and brand fits your prescription and wear habits.

Bausch & Lomb

• ULTRA for Presbyopia - monthly multifocal with MoistureSeal Technology for up to 16 hours of moisture retention
• SofLens MultiFocal - monthly multifocal for standard presbyopia correction
• PureVision MultiFocal - monthly silicone hydrogel multifocal
• Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia - daily disposable multifocal

CooperVision

• Proclear Multifocal - monthly multifocal with PC Technology for improved comfort in dry eye sufferers
• Biofinity Multifocal - monthly silicone hydrogel multifocal for near, intermediate, and distance vision

Johnson & Johnson

• Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia - biweekly multifocal with clear vision in low light conditions
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal - daily disposable multifocal

Soft contact lenses for presbyopia retail for $50 to $65 per box of six lenses, with each box lasting six months. If you replace your contacts every month, expect an annual lens cost of $200 to $260. The actual figure may be lower or higher depending on how often you replace your contacts.

If your contacts are RGP lenses, expect to pay about $100 per lens. Each lens can last at least a year before it needs to be replaced. As such, a yearly supply of RGP contact lenses for presbyopia will cost you at least $200.

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary based on prescription type, lens quantity, and current promotions. Check the Rebate Center at Lens.com for current rebate offers before ordering.

The insertion and removal process differs slightly between soft and RGP lenses. Always wash and dry your hands before handling either lens type.

To insert soft lenses:

• Wash hands with mild soap and dry with a lint-free towel
• Scoop the lens out of the case with the index finger of your dominant hand
• Rinse with a soft lens cleaning solution and check it is not inside out
• Inspect for tears or debris before placing on your eye
• Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your dominant hand
• Look upward and place the lens gently on your eye, then blink to center it
• Repeat with the other lens

To remove soft lenses:

• Hold your eyelids open with one hand
• Gently pinch the lens between your index finger and thumb
• Carefully lift the lens off your eye and repeat with the other lens

To insert RGP lenses:

• Follow the same insertion steps as soft lenses
• RGP lenses require an adjustment period of several weeks before they feel comfortable
• Wear them consistently, skipping days will reset the adjustment process

To remove RGP lenses:

• Wash and dry your hands before starting
• For your left eye, place the index finger of your left hand at the outer corner of your eye and hold your right hand below your eye
• Look down at your right hand and pull your eyelid toward your ear with your left index finger
• Blink and the lens should pop out
• Repeat for the other eye