Multifocal Contact Lenses, Thinking About Getting Them

Usually the fee for trying out multi-focal contacts is more (and sometimes not reimbursed by the insurance company) because it typically takes more "tweaking" to get the right pair. Unfortunately, tweaking didn't help me. It was very frustrating for me trying to get used to mine. I ended up going back to my regular contact lenses and I wear my reading glasses when I need to.

So make sure you are satisfied before buying them. AND if your doctor's office offers insurance to sell back your contacts or swap for a different kind, pay it. I was grateful for that.

Lastly, don't have your contact appointment when your eyes have just been dilated. Wait for another day to try on the lenses.

Good luck,
D.

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I have had them for some time now and I honestly don't think they work too well for close up reading. In fact, they don' t.. .when I want to read a book or even ingredients on a package, it's very difficult to read the print. I can see long distance which is why I just went ahead and kept them.. but I think for the next go round, I will get regular contacts and wear reading glasses when I need them. It's all hype that you can read close up, I can see what I am tying at the moment, but that is because this print is a decent size. Also, it's true that they are more costly and what bugs me is.. the doctors have sample pairs for which they could give you IF they so choose, but many charge you at least 30 to 35 dollars for the sample. My advice, IF you do get a sample pair, wear them for at least TWO weeks and try them out in the day and evening.. read different materials and print fonts to see IF you are getting what you bargain for. Also, even IF you do order them.. you can get them online cheaper (at times) via lens.com or other companies. However, if you do decide to buy them via your doctor, see if they will take back any UNOPENED packages should the contacts NOT work out... I found that at first I was thrilled to have lens that worked for everything but in reality.. they just don't..

good luck to you

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Give them a try, especially if your doctor fits a lot of them. If for some reason they don't work out, then you can try monovision (Your dominant eye is corrected for distance and the less dominant eye is corrected for near). Another option is contacts that correct for the distance and then you wear reading glasses over when you need to see up close. One con is that bifocal contacts cost more than either of the other options and can take a couple visits to refine the final prescription, but if you are happy with your vision, then you may think it is worth it. Sometimes there is a bit of a trade off with bifocal contacts or monovision where it's hard to get perfect distance and near vision so the prescription might have to be skewed a little to whichever distance is more important for you. You still need glasses anyway; your eyes will need a break from wearing contacts and you need something if you ever get an eye infection or run out of contacts.

FWIW, I don't think getting bifocals is a hard adjustment if you get the kind with a line. Progressives (no line) can be more challenging. But if you're starting in bifocals, I always recommend them first because I think you get a better range of vision.

Good luck!

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I work at lenscrafters. Sometimes,I have heard it is harder to get used to the multifocal contacts vs. the glasses. What you are thinking about in terms of glasses are the progressive lenses. If you do get used to them then you will be fine with the glasses. I will tell you that it will be wierd and that you have to get used to either the contacts or the glasses. It may take a week or so to get acclimated to the contacts. The doctor is thinking that it will be easier to get used to the contacts because they are in your eye and vs. glasses which you can take on and off. It sounds like you are ready. I would say go for it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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My husband swears by them.! :)

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