Question 1

If you need progressives or bifocals, can you wear contacts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses are meant for people with presbyopia—who need vision correction at multiple distances—just like progressives and bifocal glasses. You can wear multifocal contacts instead of glasses or alternate between wearing glasses and contacts.

If you’ve never worn contacts before, you’ll need a contact lens exam and prescription before trying them out.

Question 2

What’s the difference between multifocal contacts and other contacts?

Accepted Answer

Many contacts offer a single power of vision correction across the entire lens, which improves vision at one distance—either near, intermediate, or far.

Multifocal contacts fit multiple powers onto a single lens, so you can see more clearly at all distances. If you have presbyopia or need more than one kind of vision correction, they may be a great option for your eyes.

Question 3

How do multifocal and bifocal contacts work?&nbsp;

Accepted Answer

Disposable multifocal contacts incorporate different powers into their lenses using two primary designs: concentric and aspheric.

In concentric multifocal contacts, the different powers for near and distance vision are organized into alternating concentric rings (think an archery target). Soft bifocal contacts typically use this design.

In aspheric multifocal contacts, there’s a gradual transition between the power at the center of the lens and the power(s) surrounding it. These contacts work much the same way as progressive lenses for glasses.

In both cases, your eyes and brain will learn to use the right areas of the multifocal contact lenses instinctively. Whether you’re viewing an object close up or far away, you’ll look through the portion of the lens that casts it in clear focus.

Question 4

How do you put in multifocal contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Most multifocal contacts are worn the same way as other contacts. You can learn how to put them in by following our step-by-step guide, How to Put In Contacts.

If your contacts have specialized instructions, consult your optometrist for guidelines and tips.

Question 5

Do multifocal contacts make you feel dizzy?

Accepted Answer

Similar to the experience of wearing progressive eyeglasses, it can take some time to adapt to wearing multifocal contacts. Your eyes have to acclimate to using the different zones of vision correction and flipping between them can be a little disorienting at first. That’s normal!

Ask your optometrist about what side effects you can expect and how long it might take for your eyesight to fully adjust.

Question 6

How much do multifocal contact lenses cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of multifocal contacts varies depending on the type of lenses and the frequency with which you change them. You can purchase a 30-pack of daily multifocal contacts for around $36–$56 or a 90-pack for about $90–$135.

A 6-pack of biweekly multifocal contacts costs about $50–$62, whereas a 6-pack of monthly multifocal contacts costs approximately $79–$132. (All of these prices are subject to change.)

Multifocal & Bifocal Contacts

DAILIES Total 1 Multifocal

Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal

Acuvue Oasys Multifocal

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Presbyopia

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism

Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Multifocal

1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal

DAILIES Total 1 Multifocal

MyDay Multifocal

Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia

Multifocal and Bifocal Contacts FAQs

If you need progressives or bifocals, can you wear contacts?

What’s the difference between multifocal contacts and other contacts?

How do multifocal and bifocal contacts work?

How do you put in multifocal contact lenses?

Do multifocal contacts make you feel dizzy?

How much do multifocal contact lenses cost?