Bifocal And Multifocal Contacts What's The Difference

If you wear glasses or contacts for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may have also been prescribed bifocals or reading glasses to help you see things up close more clearly. But did you know there are contact lenses near you that can provide that same bifocal power? At Eye Care Center - Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC, we fit both bifocal and multifocal contact lenses. What’s the difference between the two? Let’s take a closer look:

Bifocal Contacts Have Two Distinct Zones

Bifocal contacts have two separate sections—one for distance vision and one for near vision. The upper area corrects your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism so you can see clearly far away. The smaller lower section adds magnification for reading or seeing objects up close. There is a visible dividing line between the two zones.

Multifocal Contacts Offer Gradual Vision Transition

Rather than two distinct areas, multifocal contact lenses near you provide a gradual transition between distance and near vision correction. This is achieved by concentric rings that get progressively stronger from the center to the edges. The center helps with distance viewing, while the edges focus on near vision.

Bifocals Can Initially Feel More Disorienting

Because bifocals have an abrupt line between the two vision zones, they can take some getting used to. The image can appear split when looking through the dividing line. Multifocal contacts offer a more seamless transition, which some find easier to adjust to.

Multifocals Provide a Larger Field of Focus

Since the entire lens surface gradually changes focus, you have a larger useful field of vision with multifocals. The smaller near-vision section of bifocals limits how much you can see up close before having to move your eyes to align with that section.

Are You Looking For an Optometrist or Eye Doctor Near You?

If you’re considering bifocals or multifocals, come see one of our eye doctors near you for an eye exam at Eye Care Center - Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC. We’ll discuss your vision needs and recommend the most appropriate corrective contacts. With a wide selection of brands and prescriptions, we can fit you with comfortable bifocal or multifocal contact lenses optimized for your eyes and lifestyle. Give us a call to schedule your bifocal exam today.