Contact lenses for distance and close-up

[scubagirl]

There's hope for us over-40's yet!

I have to share my recent results from trying on five different types of bifocal/multifocal/monovision contact lenses. I've always worn contact lenses for distance, but ever since I hit 40 my near vision has become worse. I tried using the stick-on magnifying lenses in my mask but they weren't great (falling out/fogging up/limited to only a small area).

Then I found out that Costco allows you to try out the multifocal type lenses for free (vs. other opticians where you had to pay $50 per fitting)! So for the past couple of months I've been trying different types of contact lenses. The 5th time was the charm (and it turns out it was also my last resort, being the only type remaining!). Some of the lenses were great for close-up, but bad for distance. Others were the opposite. Still others made the middle distance vision blurry or foggy. This pair that I've been wearing all weekend has been the best so far. I can focus as close as 8" from my face (I can see the hands on my watch again! :) ), and my distance vision is almost as good as with my glasses.

The true test will come when I go diving later this month. Unfortunately I've been dry since the beginning of June due to a bad cold which led to a sinus infection and also irritated my lungs from all the coughing. I am SO looking forward to getting back in the water in 2-3 weeks (and being able to read my gauges as well as the LCD on the camera).

[Kelly]

Hey Nat, post your diving experience when you get the chance. We were in Kingston this weekend, and I have to say that I am considering prescription mask lenses. I'm getting fed up with not really seeing the LCD screen to know if I got the shot I wanted or not. :o

Look forward to hearing more.:)

[Jonathan Bird]

I haven't heard of multifocal contacts. How does that work? Which brand did you end up liking?

Jonathan

[scubagirl]

Hi Jonathan,

There are many types of these contact lenses. I was told than there was no guarantee than any of them would work for me, but at least they took the time to let me try out all of them. The ones I settled on were one of the ProClear brand lenses. There are two types of those, but I don't remember which worked (I haven't ordered any yet -- they're not cheap and this trial pair should last me about a month). Do a search on any of the contact lens websites like VisionDirect.com, and you'll see there are many types available.

How the multifocals work is they have different parts of the lenses that correct close-up, medium range or distance vision. The technology varies between brands so that's why one brand may work for one person but not another.

I tried five different types and the ones that were most comfortable were the ones made of silicone (not sure which brand, but the optometrist/optician should be able to tell you which one it is). Those didn't work for me, unfortunately. I also tried monovision lenses (where one eye is corrected for distance and one for close-up): those were the worst. The first pair I tried on were PureVision from Bausch & Lomb, and they were just strange: I couldn't really get clear vision at any range. What they did for me at Costco is I'd come in and pop in the lenses and walk around the store doing my shopping, then on my way out I'd stop back in and they'd check the fit and have me read the distance and reading charts. It takes about 10 minutes to get used to wearing them, especially if you've never worn them before. This last one was the first pair where I felt comfortable enough to wear them driving home.

Ultimately, you have to go through the process of trying them out to see if any of them will work for you. Some people won't be able to wear any of them, but I was lucky. The staff at the Costco Optical were very patient and helpful, and I'm glad I was able to find a pair that worked for me.

[seafan]

I have been diving with a multifocal in one eye and a monovision in the other eye for the past 7 years now for the opposite reason... I have had no issues with seeing things far away until recently but have needed glasses for reading for the past 12 years!

I am now at the point where I need to "tweak" the prescription for issues with astigmatism. Unfortunately the toric contacts (ones with an astigmatism correction) start out with a correction stronger than what I currently need. :(

I do have an appointment with my eye doctor in a month to see what he can suggest... he is good at giving me various pairs to try out and no charge!

The multifocal that I have used and loved are called Frequency 55 by Cooper Vision. The only time I wear my contacts are on dive trips... at home I have glasses for reading and a different prescription for driving. They are expensive but Walmart was actually cheaper than Costco last time I checked.

[scubagirl]

I've ordered a couple of boxes of the lenses from Costco. Until I get them I won't know the exact prescription since they custom prepare them for your needs. When I finally get them, I'll be checking prices elsewhere (I had to pay nearly $180 CDN for a 6 month supply). I'll be trying them underwater hopefully this weekend.

[scubagirl]

Well, I was finally able to get out for a couple of dives yesterday. The contact lenses were awesome. I could see my guages, my camera LCD, and my wrist-mounted computer and compass: everything was great! Essentially, I didn't realize anything was different until after the dives when I thought "Oh yeah, I could see everything without squinting or extending my arms!".

[Jonathan Bird]

Great news! Now you need to post all the specifics on the lens brand and type!

Jonathan

[scubagirl]

Here are the ones I'm using: Proclear Multifocal https://www.clearlycontacts.ca/contact-lenses/proclear-multifocal/prod94009.html

[Jonathan Bird]

Wow, cool! I wear 'regular' (i.e. not multi-focal) Proclears now because I have dry eyes and they are good at retaining moisture. I can't wear many brands because they irritate my eyes after a few hours. So glad to find out that the ones you ended up liking are a good brand!

Jonathan

[seafan]

My eye doctor just gave me some new contacts to take with me to Fiji in October. One is for close up ( a +3) and the other is a multifocal specifically for those of us with aging eyes... called Progressives for Presbyopia.

They're called Dailies one day contacts by CIBA Vision. He gave me a trial box of each... 5 in a box... use them and toss them at the end of the day.

While these are a bit more expensive then my other ones, since I toss them out at the end of the day I won't need to bring cleaning solution with me when I travel.

Will let you all know how well they work when I get back from Fiji. :D

[Jonathan Bird]

Good luck and have fun! We look forward to the review!