Mongey Opticians, who have practices in Ballinrobe and Castlebar, outline the different contact lenses on the market.
Who can wear multifocal contact lenses?
You are an especially good candidate if you are already used to wearing contact lenses or if you have already adapted to bifocal or progressive spectacle lenses. But really, most people with presbyopia — the normal, age-related loss of focusing on near objects — even those with no contact lens experience, can wear multifocal contact lenses successfully.
Am I too old or too young to wear them?
Usually, presbyopia begins at around age 40. If you are presbyopic and a good candidate for contact lenses, you are a potential bifocal contact lens wearer, no matter what your age.
I need reading glasses, but I don't need eyewear to see far away. Am I a candidate?
Yes, you can get bifocal contact lenses that have just a reading zone. Many people find this more convenient and attractive than wearing reading glasses.
Is it difficult to get used to multifocal contact lenses?
No. Whatever your particular lens design, your optometrist will make sure you understand how to use it. Fitting these lenses requires special knowledge and experience, so not every optometrist does it.
Do they require any special care?
Multifocal contact lenses require no more care than regular contacts, and they are just as easy to insert and remove from the eye. Most wearers go all day without needing to think about their contacts.
Are bifocal contact lenses expensive?
The cost varies from one lens design to another, but in general they are less expensive than spectacles with varifocal lenses.
For more information on Mongey Opticians, log onto www.mongeyopticians.ie or telephone Castlebar on 094 902 4115 or Ballinrobe 094 952 1556.
