Another contact question please?

Question

I'm 50, almost, and just started with a trial pair of bi-focal contact about a week and a half ago. My eye Doc said that I was a good candidate for them, as I could see pretty well with them from the start. My question is this, my vision is not very clear for distance nor close up range. I realize that my "brain" is fighting the change with my vision, but will this improve or is it more likely that I need to try another perscription. I hope that they will work, but wondered if anyone has any good advise to tie me over till my appointment next week. Thanks for any serious answers.

Answer 1

What type of "bi-focals" is my first response.

Probably the most common is concentric, where the stronger Rx is in the center of the lens and weaker towards the edge. (Soflens, Purevision, Proclear, etc.)

If this is the case two things are normal, 1) an adaption period, and 2) 20/25 +/- vision or worse for both distance and near.

Any multifocal CL is a compromise. You are cramming two different powers on the same lens and both are covering the pupil sending the different powers to the eye at the same time. The compromise, of course, is convienence.

For upclose vision your pupils become more discriminating and focused, causing the pupil to constrict. This allows most of the "stronger-upclose" part of the CL to dominate the surface area over your pupil to direct light back onto you retina, allowing you to see upclose better.

For distance vision, you have a wider field of focus and your eyes react by trying to get as much light as possible, so they dialate. This allows the "outside-weaker" RX edge of the CL to come into play and start directing light to your retina allowing for better distance vision.

These two powers are in constant competition and flux depending on your activities. Hence 1) there will be an addaption period, and 2) your vision is unlikely to hit 20/20.

Usually fitting multifocal CL's is a process to get it just right. There is no cookie cutter fitting process that works for everyone.

*an interesting not, that unlike a glasses prescription which specifies an add power (eg +2.25 or +1.50) the CL multifocal tends to use generalities such as "high add"(typically +1.75 or higher) or "low add" (typically +1.50 or less).

Answer 2

Just make an early appointment. You doctors the only one who can help you.

Answer 3

mister, i hope your eyes get better. im majoring in opthamology which is practicing for an eye surgian. what i can really suggest is that you go back to your doctor and see if another bi-focal is right for you, which may not give you these vision problems because not only might it be your eyes, but it might be due to the fact that you have just gotten new bi-focal contacts and they are getting used to your eyes. Wait it out another week see if the problem continues and if it does, be sure to change your contact.