Bifocals: A Plethora of Options
See the photo above? Bifocal eyeglasses don't look like that anymore! In fact, those lenses are actually trifocals. The age-revealing, vision-limiting bifocals and trifocals of the past have transformed into sophisticated multifocal and progressive lenses, where the lines are practically invisible.
And - surprise! - multifocal and progressive lenses are available as both eyeglasses and contact lenses. In fact, there are also surgeries to help you overcome the need for bifocals.
Before reviewing the options, it's important to understand how bifocals function. As we age, the ability of our eyes to focus both near and far begins to diminish. This happens whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or haven't used vision correction at all. This condition is called presbyopia (a more thorough explanation can be found in this presbyopia article).
Bifocals - which were invented by Ben Franklin - compensate for presbyopia by providing two different focusing powers in one lens. One area of the lens helps you focus on distant objects, the other for items that are close-up. The problem with bifocals has always been that in reality we have the need to see clearly at many distances, not simply two distances. Hence the development of lenses with multiple powers, to help you see at varying distances.
For more information on solutions for presbyopia, choose an option below:
- Eyeglasses for Presbyopia include progressive lenses, as well as bifocals and trifocals.
- Contact Lenses come in multifocal designs, or can be fit for monovision.
- Surgery for Presbyopia can be performed with both lasers and radio waves.
- Find eyeglasses through an eye doctor, optometrist, or other optical stores near you.
All About Bifocals puts you in touch with credible information about presbyopia, which is often experienced along with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The pages in this site and our partner websites examine popular eye care and vision correction topics such as cataracts, dry eyes, LASIK, eye vitamins, keratoconus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, pink eye, vision insurance, and how to find an optometrist.