What does multifocal vision mean?

The term multifocal lenses can refer to any lenses with multiple powers including bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses. Non-bifocal multifocal lenses have a range of powers that enable you to constantly adjust your focus to see clearly from up close to far and in between.

What is a multifocal lens in glasses?

Multifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses in glasses, provide a smooth transition between distance and close-up vision correction. They allow you to switch between looking at objects near and far without having to change eyewear. This eases eye strain and is closer to natural vision transitions.

What’s the difference between bifocal and multifocal?

It is easy to get confused between the two. Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions in the same lens. Multifocal lenses are similar to progressive eyeglasses where there are several focal points in each lens for distance, intermediate and reading correction. Bifocal lenses also fall in the multifocal lens category.

How well do multifocal contacts work?

Multifocal contact lenses allow you to see near, medium, and far distances with better visual acuity and less juggling of other devices, like wearing contacts and also wearing reading glasses. They are not for everyone, but they can be very helpful for some people who have more than one refractive error.

Is multifocal same as progressive?

Progressive lenses have three prescriptions in one pair of glasses. They’re sometimes called multifocal lenses. Progressive lenses are an update on bifocal and trifocal lenses.

Who needs multifocal lenses?

Multifocal lenses are typically prescribed for adults over age 40 to compensate for a common condition called presbyopia (explained further below). Multifocal lenses are also the lenses of choice for some children and young adults who have eye teaming or focusing problems that cause eyestrain when reading.

Is multifocal better than bifocal?

Unlike bifocals or trifocals, progressive multifocal lenses do not have distinct lines or segments and have the advantage of offering clear vision over a large range of distances, not limiting you to two or three distances. This makes them a popular choice for many people.