If you're close to 40 and starting to observe some difficulty reading fine print, you might have developed presbyopia, a common age-related condition that prevents you from clearly seeing near objects. If you already struggle with distance vision, and develop presbyopia, you don't need to carry a separate pair of reading glasses. Multifocal lenses will allow you to see clearly all the time, correcting your presbyopia and myopia with just one pair of glasses.
Before mulifocals, bifocals were widely prescribed, but they were far from perfect; while they correct problems with both near and distant objects, everything in between is blurred. In an effort to rectify this issue, progressive lenses were invented, which offer and intermediate or transition part of the lens which lets you focus on the area between near and far distances. But what creates this effect? Well, progressive lenses feature a subtle curvature, unlike a bifocal lens, which is harshly divided. Because of this, progressive lenses are also called no-line lenses.
But, you might take some time to get used to these lenses. While the invisible transition of progressive lenses is more elegant, the focal areas are quite small because more lens space is used for the transitional areas.
Bifocals still have their uses though; they are helpful for kids and teenagers who have a hard time focusing when reading.
Multifocal lenses are most helpful when they're made to work with your exact and unique requirements. So when it's time to get fitted, make sure it's with a professional you can trust.
Having a wrong prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain or even nausea. During middle age, most people cannot dodge presbyopia. But it's comforting to know that good, multifocal lenses can make it a lot easier.