Are Multifocal Lenses Right for You, Expert Eye Care Advice

Do you often find yourself holding reading material farther away from your face? Or perhaps you are constantly switching between different pairs of glasses? One pair to help you with reading stop signs and driving, and one to help you see better what’s on the TV?

While most glasses increase vision at a certain distance, many people struggle with seeing clearly at multiple distances. Multifocal lenses do just that. They enable you to see clearly at various distances without switching to another pair of glasses.

Want to learn more about multifocal lenses and their uses? Read on as our expert, Dr. Scott Beeve, explains everything you need to know about these versatile lenses.

Understanding multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses are corrective lenses that enable you to see clearly at near, intermediate, and distance, unlike single-vision lenses, which correct for only one distance (near or far).

However, even among multifocal lenses, there are several types:

• Bifocals (near and distance vision)
• Trifocals (distance, intermediate, and near vision)
• Progressive lenses (smooth, gradual transition between multiple distances without visible lines)

Multifocal lenses are also available for patients who are undergoing cataract surgery. Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.

Who benefits from multifocal lenses?

Multifocal lenses are an excellent choice for individuals who lead active lifestyles and want to eliminate the discomfort of switching between glasses. In addition, some people may experience poor vision at an intermediate distance (the distance of a computer screen), which isn't covered by using unifocal lenses.

If you are planning cataract surgery, choosing a multifocal IOL can be a life-changing upgrade, often allowing patients to drive and read without the need for glasses.

In other words, if you lead an active lifestyle, have poor vision at intermediate distances, or want to not depend on glasses after cataract surgery, multifocal lenses might be the best choice.

Learn if you are a candidate for multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses have many benefits. However, they aren’t for everyone. Some people may need time to adapt to progressive lenses, while others with specific eye conditions may require alternative solutions.

If you want to learn how to improve your eyesight and get advice on selecting the best option for your eye health and lifestyle, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Glendale, California. Our dedicated team helps you see every detail of your life clearly, from the open road to your computer screen.