Understanding Multifocal Contact Lenses

Did you think glasses were the only option for farsightedness? You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to give up your contact lenses, because there are effective ways to correct this condition. One of them is multifocal contact lenses, whose benefits we will explain.

We spoke with Dr. Angela Depani, optometrist at the Opto-Réseau – Lunetterie Depani & Koyess clinic in Brossard, who explained why she recommends multifocal contact lenses to her patients, in particular CooperVision clariti™ 1-day lenses.

A practical addition that makes everyday life easier

Do you wear glasses at the office but want a more practical solution for weekend activities? Do you want to be able to read a map without having to take out your glasses? For these and other situations, wearing contact lenses is an attractive option.

This is the solution that Dr. Depani recommended to one of her patients for skiing. Contact lenses give her the freedom to move around during the day without fogging up her mask, and she can wear them until evening to read a menu.  

In addition to being a practical and hygienic solution, 1-day contact lenses offer renewed comfort with each new lens, which explains why there are few contraindications. In fact, according to Dr. Depani, it’s “the best eye health solution available today.”

Our professionals: experts serving your needs

At Opto-Réseau, our experts analyze your habits and daily routine to offer you the right multifocal contact lens product. As Dr. Depani says, “every patient is different, so we have to listen to their needs and find a solution that’s right for them.”

Our professionals will evaluate the lens design that’s best for you and explain how it works and how you’ll feel in the early stages. They’re best able to explain the complexity of the process. In fact, your brain will receive and process two images. It sounds complex, but don’t worry—it’s easier than you think.

How multifocal lenses work 

Multifocal contact lenses work in different ways, depending on the lens design. Some zones of the lens are dedicated to distance vision, others to near vision, and still others to intermediate vision. The transition from one zone to another is gradual.

Here’s an example of a possible configuration:  

Unlike progressive ophthalmic lenses, where the eye must move to get the sharpest vision of the object it’s looking at, multifocal contact lenses let the wearer see everything in front of them simultaneously. In the image it perceives, the brain will select what it wants to see clearly.

It may seem complex, but rest assured that after the adjustment period, all you’ll need to do is sit back and enjoy the view. The length of the adjustment period varies, as some people’s brains can deconstruct an image more quickly than others.

Sometimes the fit may not be perfect right away. In this case, a second appointment is scheduled at the clinic two to three weeks later to make a final examination and check the fit.

Have you been told that contact lenses aren’t for you or tried some and given them up for the sake of comfort? You should know that there have been a lot of technological advances in this field in the last few years. From silicone hydrogel—which allows more oxygen through to the cornea—to less rigid materials, technologies are advancing and products are more and more about comfort. So ask your eye care professional if multifocal contact lenses are a good solution for you! Our teams will take the time to fully understand your needs, help you choose the best product, and provide support for day-to-day wear.

Make an appointment today at one of our Opto-Réseau clinics!

We thank Dr. Angela Depani, optometrist at the Opto-Réseau – Lunetterie Depani & Koyess clinic in Brossard, for her valuable contribution.