Hate Multifocals?

HERE’S WHY IT’S TIME TO RECONSIDER

BY DR NICHOLAS ALTUNEG

Have you tried multifocal lenses before and had a less–than–stellar experience?

Of course, you may be hesitant to give them another go.

However, there are many reasons why you really should try multifocal glasses again. We’re going to unpack why this type of glasses is worth trying again (and for those who haven’t tried them yet) because they can really make a big difference to your quality of life.

Why You May Need Multifocal Glasses

As you age or because of binocular vision disorders, the lenses inside your eyes become less flexible. This makes it harder for you to focus at various distances.

When this happens, you may need glasses to correct your vision at different distances, i.e. far away and up close. For example, you may already be using reading glasses while doing up–close work but may need other glasses when driving, watching TV or when using a computer screen.

Multifocal lenses incorporate different lens prescriptions into one cleverly engineered lens. As a result, one pair of glasses can be used for multiple activities saving you from swapping between different pairs of glasses.

That’s why multifocal lenses are great because, in theory, they work by giving you clear vision in the distance, at near and at all distances in between.

HOW DO MULTIFOCAL LENSES WORK?

Multifocal lenses are designed around a clinical feature called ‘corridors’. Looking at the design diagram of a multifocal lens you will see that the different powers in the lens are shaped roughly like a figure 8 – long distance power at the top, mid in the middle and reading power at the bottom.

Outside of this figure 8 visual zone, the sides of the lenses are manufactured with distortions. This is the part of the multifocal lenses that you may have struggled with in the past.

WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER (CONSIDER) MULTIFOCAL LENSES

Multifocal lenses have improved over the years

Think about how far technology has advanced for smartphone cameras. So too, spectacle lenses have advanced in a similar fashion, maybe not as rapidly as mobile phone cameras, but the improvements are genuinely noticeable and far supersede the multifocal lenses from years ago.

Remember the old bifocal had a distinct line through the lens. Today there are no visible lines on a multifocal lens, so they look like a normal lens.

Not all multifocal lenses are created equal

Multifocal lenses have revolutionised vision correction. However, the term ‘multifocal’ is a bit like the term ‘car’. Buying a ‘car’ is a very individual and personal process, matching your quality preferences and desires to the features offered by particular brands.

It is the same with multifocal lenses.

Cheaper lenses using old technology will fail. This is because the distortions (the area outside of the figure 8) cover a larger area of the lens periphery and make it harder to see around. The more peripheral distortion, the more you have to adjust your head to look through the correct zone and the more of a disorientating feeling you experience walking around while wearing them.

It may surprise you to know that older technology lenses are still commonly available in the marketplace and are sold at cheap prices. Buyer beware. If you are being sold a cheap pair of multifocal lenses, then you are being sold older technology lenses and there is a higher chance that they won’t work properly.

Engage with an Optometrist who takes the time to measure things accurately

There are many processes involved from designing to manufacturing multifocal glasses. If even one of these elements are not accurate, then the overall result is likely to fail. Your optometrist needs to take the time to accurately measure both your spectacle prescription and the positioning of the visual zones in the lenses. They will also need to consider your vision requirements, the size of the lens area, and how the frames sit on your face.

A good optometrist will take the time to design the way in which the ‘corridors’ are distributed to match your activities. These design considerations will make an enormous difference to how well the lens performs for you and the more comfortable they will be to wear.

If you’re someone who uses computers and digital devices all day, these need to be taken into consideration. If you prefer a lens which optimises driving, right down to whether that’s peripheral vision or better low–light vision for night driving. Someone else will prefer a lens design to optimise sports performance, whether that’s cycling, golf or tennis.

Multifocals – ready to try again?

If you are ready to try multifocals, firstly, have a think about the activities that are important to you and the activities that you spend a lot of time doing. Choosing the multifocal lens that is designed especially for these activities can greatly enhance your vision and improve your overall experience.

When choosing your optometrist consider the following –

ƒ Do they listen to your needs to help you to select the most appropriate lens design to match your lifestyle, activities, and priorities?

ƒ Does the optical dispenser accurately measure both your spectacle prescription and the positioning of the visual zones in the lenses to get the best results?

ƒ Do they have a reputation for using the highest quality lenses to custom design your lenses and plan the way in which the ‘corridors’ are distributed so your new lens perform well for you and your particular vision needs?

ƒ Do they give you the time to get your multifocals right with additional testing, adjustments or lens replacements?

If the answers are yes, you have every chance of success. And don’t forget to be patient. It can take some time to adjust and adapt to multifocal lenses, but the rewards can be worth it.

Multifocal lenses are a brilliant option for many people and can make such a difference to your quality of life. The only way you will know if they are right for you, is to talk to an optometrist!

Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co–founder of Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone 4369 8169 or online at eyesbydesign.com.au