As we get older, it’s common for our vision to change. Tasks that once felt effortless, such as reading a menu, checking a phone, or working on a computer, may start to require more focus or brighter light. These changes are a normal part of aging, and today’s contact lens technology offers several options to help you continue seeing clearly at all distances.
Understanding why these changes happen and what your contact lens options are can help you feel more confident about your next step.
Why vision changes with age
One of the most common age-related vision changes is presbyopia, which usually begins in the early to mid-40s. Presbyopia affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, making near tasks more difficult over time.
Many people with presbyopia also have existing refractive errors, such as:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
This combination means vision may be blurry at more than one distance. Contact lenses designed for age-related vision changes aim to correct both near vision loss and long-standing vision conditions simultaneously.
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses: what’s the fifference?
While standard contact lenses are designed to correct vision at a single distance, bifocal contact lenses have two main viewing areas: one for near vision and one for distance vision.
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to help you see clearly up close, at arm’s length, and far away. Multifocal lenses use a more blended design that allows your eyes to move more smoothly between distances throughout the day.
Bifocal and multifocal lenses rely on your eyes and brain working together to choose the clearest image for what you’re focusing on. Because this is different from how standard lenses work, it’s normal for vision to feel a little different at first.
The monovision contact lens option
Another option for age-related vision changes is monovision. With monovision contact lenses, each eye wears a different contact lens:
- One eye is corrected primarily for distance vision
- The other eye is corrected primarily for near vision
Your brain blends the images from both eyes to provide functional vision for daily activities. Some people adapt very comfortably to monovision, while others prefer the balance provided by multifocal lenses. Your eye care provider may recommend trying one or more options to see what works best for you.
What to expect during the adjustment period
Any time you change how your vision is corrected, an adjustment period is normal. During the first few days or weeks, you may notice mild blur, glare, or difficulty shifting focus between near and far objects.
Helpful tips during this time include:
- Wearing your contact lenses consistently as recommended
- Avoid switching back to old lenses unless advised
- Allowing one to two weeks for your eyes and brain to adapt
- Using good lighting for reading and close work
Most patients find that these symptoms improve with time.
When to schedule a follow-up visit
If your vision still doesn’t feel right after the recommended adjustment period, follow-up care is important. Ongoing blur, headaches, or eye strain may indicate that a small change is needed.
Your eye care provider can adjust the prescription, lens design, or fitting to improve comfort and clarity.
Find the right contact lens option for you
Age-related vision changes don’t mean you have to give up contact lenses. Multifocal lenses, bifocal designs, and monovision all offer effective ways to support clear vision at multiple distances.
Having a full-service optical center located right on-site means Iowa Eye Center patients can explore contact lens options, ask questions, and receive guidance all in one convenient location. Our optical team works closely with your Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologist to help ensure your lenses fit comfortably and support your everyday vision needs.
If you’re noticing changes in your near vision or are struggling with your current contacts, contact us to schedule an eye exam. We’re here to help you find a solution that fits your vision and your lifestyle.
