Normal contact lenses are fantastic for people who only need one prescription. However, for those who suffer from compound eyesight issues, more than one type of lens may be required. Traditionally, these people have had to use bifocal or varifocal glasses, but now there is a range of multifocal contacts available which give these people even more options.
1. Concentric Lenses
This design has the two different prescriptions placed so that one surrounds the other one. Usually, the near-distance prescription is placed at the center, while the far one is placed around the outside. This is the most common type, and is generally preferred because it provides excellent vision at a cost not much above a normal lens.
2. Simultaneous Contact Lenses
With this type of lens, both the near and far prescriptions are placed on top of each other. Although this may sound like they will counteract one another, it actually makes use of a fascinating property of the brain, in that it can select which image it chooses to focus on at a given time. The benefit of this lens over a concentric design is that is allows the wearer to see perfectly in a wider area.
3. Altering Contacts
Finally, this type of contact acts much like a bifocal glasses lens, in that the prescription is different at the top and bottom. Because of this, it is essential that the lens is placed the right way round on the eye. This type is becoming less popular as the other two types become more common.
Multifocal contact lenses offer a even bigger choice to those with poor eyesight. They are becoming increasingly popular, and as such prices continue to fall, making these lenses an excellent choice for your long term eye care.