Varifocal Contact Lenses
Reading a menu, checking your phone, and seeing across the room can become frustrating when one pair of lenses no longer handles every distance. Varifocal contact lenses, also called multifocal contacts, are made for wearers with presbyopia who need help seeing near, intermediate, and far without switching between readers and distance correction. Products such as Biofinity Multifocal, ULTRA for Presbyopia, Dailies Total 1 Multifocal, 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal, and Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia give wearers several schedule and material options. The right lens depends on your ADD power, prescription, comfort needs, and daily routine. A closer comparison makes each choice easier to understand.
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Varifocal Contact Lenses For Near, Intermediate, And Distance Vision
Varifocal contact lenses use more than one prescription strength in each lens, so wearers can shift between near, intermediate, and distance tasks. They are usually discussed as multifocal contacts in the U.S., while varifocal is a common term in other markets. These lenses are often fitted for presbyopia, the age-related near-vision change that makes reading small print or phone text harder. Instead of using separate reading glasses over distance contacts, wearers can ask about multifocal lens designs that combine several viewing ranges in one fitted lens.
Varifocal contacts don't feel identical for every wearer. Some people adapt quickly, while others need several days or weeks to get used to how the brain selects the clearest zone for each task. Lens design, ADD power, pupil size, eye dominance, tear quality, and lighting can all affect the final result. A daily disposable such as 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal or Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia can suit wearers who want a fresh pair each day. Monthly choices such as Biofinity Multifocal, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal, Proclear Multifocal, and ULTRA for Presbyopia can suit wearers who prefer reusable lenses with proper care.
What To Compare Before Choosing Varifocal Contacts
Start with your prescription, then match the lens to your daily routine. Varifocal contacts differ by schedule, material, and near-vision design.
- Compare daily and monthly replacement.
- Check ADD power and distance prescription.
- Review comfort during screen and reading time.
- Ask how long adaptation should take.
A varifocal lens should fit your eyes and your routine, not only your age or reading needs.
How Varifocal Lens Designs Balance More Than One Prescription
Varifocals use different optical zones to help with more than one viewing distance. Your eye doctor decides which design best fits your prescription and visual habits.
Near Vision Tasks
Near vision matters for reading labels, checking texts, viewing receipts, and applying makeup. A varifocal lens should make close tasks easier without forcing you to remove contacts or reach for readers every time small print appears.
Intermediate Vision Tasks
Intermediate vision covers computer monitors, dashboards, recipes, menus, and face-to-face conversation distance. This range can be easy to overlook, but it matters for wearers who spend long hours at desks, counters, classrooms, or checkout screens.
Distance Vision Tasks
Distance vision still matters for driving, watching TV, walking outdoors, and recognizing signs. A varifocal lens should balance near help with clear enough distance vision, especially for wearers who do not want reading comfort to weaken everyday mobility.
Varifocal Contact Lens Products for Presbyopia
Biofinity Multifocal
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal
ULTRA for Presbyopia
Dailies Total 1 Multifocal
Air Optix Aqua Multifocal
Acuvue Oasys 2-week Multifocal
Dailies AquaComfort Plus Multifocal
MyDay Daily Disposable Multifocal
How to Get Rebates for Varifocals and Multifocals
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box rebate
Rebate amount with a 4 box purchase
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box rebate
Rebate amount with a 8 box purchase
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Contact Lens Manufacturer
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Contact Lens Type
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Contact Lens Material Type
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Contact Lens Water Content Percentage
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Contact Lens Blocks UV
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Each Box Contains
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Average Star Rating
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| Biofinity Multifocal | $75 | -- | CooperVision | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal | $135 | -- | Alcon | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| ULTRA for Presbyopia | $75 | -- | Bausch & Lomb | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 46% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal | $75 | $160 | Johnson & Johnson | Daily | Hydrogel | 58% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Dailies Total 1 Multifocal | -- | $160 | Alcon | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Air Optix Aqua Multifocal | $75 | -- | Alcon | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue Oasys 2-week Multifocal | -- | $160 | Johnson & Johnson | Weekly | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 6 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Dailies AquaComfort Plus Multifocal | -- | $290 | Alcon | Daily | Hydrogel | 69% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| PureVision MultiFocal | $75 | -- | Bausch & Lomb | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 36% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Proclear Multifocal | $85 | -- | CooperVision | Monthly | Hydrogel | 62% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| SofLens MultiFocal | -- | $160 | Bausch & Lomb | Daily | Hydrogel | 38% | 6 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| INFUSE One-Day Multifocal 90PK | -- | $160 | Bausch & Lomb | Daily | Hydrogel | 55% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia | -- | $290 | Bausch & Lomb | Daily | Hydrogel | 78% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Clariti 1-Day Multifocal | -- | $160 | CooperVision | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 56% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Proclear 1 Day Multifocal | -- | $180 | CooperVision | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 60% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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Are Varifocal Contacts the Same as Multifocal Contacts?
Varifocal contacts and multifocal contacts are closely related terms. In the U.S., product pages and prescriptions usually use "multifocal," while "varifocal" is more common in some other markets. Both terms describe lenses with more than one viewing power, usually for presbyopia. The product name on your prescription should still be followed exactly, even if you search using either term. A prescription for Biofinity Multifocal, ULTRA for Presbyopia, or Dailies Total 1 Multifocal should be matched to that exact product.
Daily and Monthly Varifocal Contacts Compared
Replacement schedules change cost, care, and convenience. Compare how often you want a fresh lens with how comfortable you are cleaning reusable contacts.
Daily Disposable Varifocals
Daily options such as 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal, Dailies Total 1 Multifocal, Proclear 1 Day Multifocal, and Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia are replaced after each wear. They can fit travel, occasional use, allergy seasons, or wearers who dislike cleaning lenses.
Monthly Disposable Varifocals
Monthly options such as Biofinity Multifocal, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal, Proclear Multifocal, and ULTRA for Presbyopia require cleaning and storage after removal. They can suit repeat wearers who want fewer boxes and can follow a reusable lens routine.
Routine Fit
Your ideal schedule depends on wearing frequency, budget, comfort, and care habits. A daily lens can feel simpler, while a monthly lens can suit regular wearers who keep up with solution, case cleaning, and replacement timing.
What ADD Power Means on a Varifocal Contact Lens Prescription
ADD power helps the lens support near vision. It is one of the most important values on a multifocal or varifocal prescription.
- ADD is usually written as Low, Medium, High, or a numeric value.
- Each eye can have different distance power and ADD needs.
- ADD power should not be copied from an eyeglass prescription.
- Multifocal fitting can involve trial lenses and follow-up changes.
- The product name should match the approved lens exactly.
ADD power works with distance power, lens design, and eye dominance. A small change can affect reading comfort and distance clarity.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Varifocal Contacts?
Adjustment time varies, but wearers often need patience when switching into varifocal contacts. Your eyes and brain have to learn how to use different viewing zones for reading, screen work, and distance vision. Some wearers notice improvement within days, while others need a few weeks and one or more fitting changes. During the first trial period, test the lenses during real tasks such as phone reading, computer work, grocery shopping, driving, and evening lighting. Report persistent blur, headaches, or discomfort to your eye doctor.
Why Screen Work Can Expose the Wrong Varifocal Fit
Screen-heavy days can make varifocal lens performance easier to judge. Computer distance sits between reading and far vision, so a lens that works well for books and driving can still feel weak at a monitor.
Monitor Distance
Desktop screens usually sit farther away than a phone but closer than distance viewing. If text looks unstable at this range, your ADD power, lens design, lighting, or screen position may need review during follow-up.
Blink Rate
Screen use can reduce blinking, which can make lenses feel drier or less settled. Dryness can mimic poor focus, so comfort and clarity should be discussed together instead of treating every blur episode as a power problem.
Lighting Contrast
Low contrast text, small fonts, and glare can make varifocal contacts feel less sharp. Adjust screen brightness, text size, and room lighting during the trial period before judging whether the lens design works.
First-Week Vision Tests for New Varifocal Wearers
Use your first week to test varifocal contacts in normal life, not only in the exam room. Keep notes so your follow-up visit is more useful.
- Read small print on labels and menus.
- Check phone text in bright and dim rooms.
- Work at your usual computer distance.
- Watch TV or street signs from across the room.
- Notice dryness, glare, halos, or eye strain.
Real-world feedback helps your eye doctor adjust lens design, power, ADD, or wearing schedule if the first trial is not quite right.
Price Ranges for Varifocal Contact Lens Choices
Varifocal and multifocal lenses can vary in cost based on replacement schedule, pack size, rebate terms, and prescription needs. Compare the yearly supply instead of judging by box price alone.
Daily Multifocal Costs
Current daily multifocal product snippets can range from about $23 to $155 per box, depending on product, pack size, rebate terms, taxes, fees, and final checkout details. Daily lenses can suit wearers who prefer a fresh pair each day and want fewer cleaning steps.
Monthly Multifocal Costs
Current monthly multifocal product snippets can range from about $25 to $141 per box, depending on product, pack size, rebate terms, taxes, fees, and final checkout details. Monthly lenses may require fewer boxes per eye across the year, but cleaning supplies should be part of the budget.
Rebate And Supply Planning
Rebate pricing can shift the final range, so current multifocal options can land from about $23 to $155 per box after product, supply length, rebate terms, taxes, fees, and checkout details are considered. Compare ADD availability, supply length, and replacement timing before deciding.
Varifocal Contacts for Astigmatism, Dryness, or Active Days
Varifocal contacts are not one-size-fits-all. Extra prescription needs can narrow the lens choices your eye doctor recommends.
- Astigmatism may require a toric multifocal design.
- Dryness may affect material and schedule choice.
- Active routines may favor a lens that centers well.
- Travel can make daily disposable options easier.
- Long workdays may need comfort-focused follow-up.
Tell your eye doctor how you use your eyes each day. Reading, driving, screen work, travel, and hobbies all help shape the fitting plan.
When Backup Glasses Still Help With Varifocal Contacts
Varifocal contacts can reduce dependence on readers, but backup glasses can still help. Some wearers keep readers nearby for tiny print, dim restaurants, medication labels, or long paperwork sessions. Glasses are also helpful if your eyes feel dry, if a lens tears, or if you need to remove contacts before sleep or travel. During the first few weeks, backup glasses can make the transition less stressful while your eye doctor fine-tunes the fit. The goal is practical vision across the day, not forcing one lens to handle every setting perfectly.
References
1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal Contact Lenses. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/1-day-acuvue-moist-multifocal/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal Contact Lenses. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/acuvue-oasys-max-1-day-multifocal/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Bifocal & Multifocal Contact Lenses for Presbyopia. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/bifocal-lenses/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Biofinity Multifocal Contacts, 6 Pack. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/biofinity-multifocal/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia 90 Pack Contact Lenses. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/biotrue-oneday-for-presbyopia/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Contact Lens Prescription. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-prescription. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Proclear 1-Day Multifocal Contacts 90 PK. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/proclear-1-day-multifocal/. Accessed June 23, 2026.
Which Multifocal Contact Lenses Are For You? https://www.visionexpress.com/contact-lenses/choosing-varifocal-contact-lenses. Accessed June 23, 2026.
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