Being prescribed multifocal lenses means that each lens will feature several areas of different optical prescriptions. These are typically seamlessly blended without obvious lines, making it almost unnoticeable to those that aren’t familiar with wearing glasses.
Multifocal lenses may also be referred to as progressive lenses. By allowing multiple prescription zones within the one lens, it means you can use your glasses in a wider range of scenarios, compared to single vision lenses that only have one prescription over the entire lens, and so can only be used for one primary focus, like either helping you focus on objects that are far away (like when driving), or close by (like when reading).
Your optometrist will go through which area of the lens (and therefore your field of vision) will help you achieve each prescribed function. This way, you’ll know exactly where to look to help you achieve your desired vision goal. While this may sound daunting or difficult at first, it doesn’t take our clients long before they can seamlessly and naturally switch between vision zones depending on the support they need, keeping their vision clear and optimal throughout the entire day.
While each pair of multifocal glasses is designed specifically to a person’s unique needs and preferences, longer-distance vision corrections tend to be positioned towards the top of the lens, near vision correction is placed closer to the base of the lens, supporting you when you look down to read a book or check a message on your phone.
Should I Choose Multifocal Lenses?
Multifocal lenses aren’t so much something you ‘choose’, as they are what your optometrist determines will be best for your vision and eye health based on the results of a comprehensive vision assessment.
Multifocal lenses do have notable benefits such as removing the need to swap between different pairs of glasses for different activities. They’re also a great option for those with presbyopia, a natural loss in our ability to focus on nearby objects, which can cause issues when shifting between looking at long and short distances.
To learn more about multifocal lenses or book an appointment for your eye assessment, contact one of our Queensland clinics by selecting your preferred location here. You can also use your current prescription to shop for frames and lenses online.