Remember when multifocal lenses were impossible? Fortunately, the industry took (and is still taking) practitioners’ suggestions to make improved lenses that provide better comfort and better vision. We have incredible options for multifocals today. Patients who are presbyopic tend to make up a smaller percentage of contact lens wearers, as many have dropped out by the age of presbyopia onset due to dryness and discomfort.
Naturally, I believe that daily disposable lenses are the direction in which we should go for all of our patients. And, with the added benefit of a daily disposable lens, these patients will likely experience less dryness. Additionally, these patients oftentimes have come to a realization regarding what “compromised” vision is; they have worn progressive lenses and experienced the compromise of the head point. Or, they may have worn monovision and experienced the decrease in depth perception. With multifocals, we never promise perfect vision. Instead, we balance a patient’s ideal vision situation with the tools that we have. Low, medium, high…regardless of the amount of presbyopia, we have tools.
If you are struggling with multifocals, realize that there are millions of patients who are successful. The tools are sound. In my experience, my “failures” with multifocals are usually due to improper expectations that I set. Have a reasonable discussion about vision with regard to what multifocal lenses can and can’t provide, then find your preferred tool and go to work.
READ more of my article here at Contact Lens Spectrum
