Fitting Bifocal Contact Lenses? Here's What You Should Know

Given their increased complexity over conventional lens types, in almost every sense of the word, fitting bifocal contact lenses require careful consideration on the part of the wearer. Not only because of the extra hassle and expense involved in acquiring the lenses, but the fact that a significant period of time (typically a few weeks) is required in order to become accustomed to them. Requiring, as it does, additional expertise and knowledge, a bifocal contact fitting cannot be performed by every single eye care specialist. As such, it is advisable to make sure that your local or preferred practitioner is capable of fitting bifocal contacts beforehand.

Bifocals are designed to correct, among other things, the age-related condition known as presbyopia. To do this they incorporate two different 'powers' (to correct both near and far vision) on the same lens. In effect, a single lens has two functions and as a result, the brain must be 'trained' to become accustomed to differentiating between the two vision types provided. During this initial phase, the patient will likely have to visit an eye specialist multiple times in order to obtain the best possible fit or to ensure that no additional complications arise.

While getting used to bifocals, some patients may experience headaches or dizziness, though these will go away once the wearer has become accustomed to the lenses. In some cases however, despite the patient's willingness to persevere, bifocals may not be suitable and in such scenarios alternative solutions may need to be sought.

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