Single vision reading glasses are used for one purpose: to correct near vision. Multifocal eyeglasses were developed for those individuals who wanted to see clearly at multiple distances with a single pair of eyeglasses.

Multifocal eyeglasses contain lenses with two or more vision correcting prescriptions. These eyeglasses are designed to help people see objects at near, intermediate, and far distances. Bifocals are the most common type of multifocal lens and are typically prescribed for people with age-related loss of near vision (presbyopia). Trifocals are bifocals with a third prescription to help correct intermediate distance vision.

The design of multifocal lenses is simple. The lenses contain multiple prescriptions that change a person's eye focal points automatically. The lenses can be split into two sections for near and distance vision, or three sections for near, intermediate, and distance vision.

What do multifocal eyeglasses treat?

As we age, we lose the ability to focus on near objects. This loss of focusing ability is actually a condition known as presbyopia. People with an existing vision problem who develop presbyopia have to rely on multiple sets of eyeglasses to see at all distances. Multifocal eyeglasses were developed to help people with presbyopia see clearly at all distances with a single pair of eyeglasses.

Bifocals are a type of multifocal lens that contain two lens prescriptions; the lower part of the lens corrects for near vision and the upper part corrects for distance vision. Trifocals contain three separate lens prescriptions; the third section is designed to correct intermediate distance vision. This intermediate prescription helps people see objects at arm's length, including computer screens.

Benefits of multifocal eyeglasses

The primary benefit of multifocal eyeglasses is that they provide optimal vision in all visual fields. Multifocal lenses allow people with multiple vision problems to see clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances. They help to reduce eyestrain when reading, sitting at the computer, working, and performing everyday activities and hobbies.

If refractive errors and presbyopia cause you to constantly switch your eyewear to see different distances, you may benefit from multifocal eyeglasses. Contact your optometrist today to schedule an appointment to see if you would benefit from these lenses.