Options for the Bifocal User
 

Contact lenses are generally designed to correct the distance vision, leaving the eye itself to focus additionally for near vision. However, as people age, the focusing ability of the eye gradually declines. Usually in the early forties, this becomes noticeable, and reading material has to be held further away to be able to focus on it. Eyestrain symptoms and headache can occur. In people who do not use contact lenses, a bifocal prescribed in glasses can eliminate any problems with reading. However, what options are available for contact lens users?

Reading Glasses
This is the simplest option for reading with contact lenses in: using reading glasses over top of the lenses. However, most contact lens users prefer to avoid glasses use, and it may be difficult to keep up with a pair of reading glasses when the distance vision is clear with contact lenses.

Monovision
This refers to using one eye for distance vision, and one eye for near vision. Usually the non-dominant eye is set for reading (usually the left eye). Advantages of this system include the ability to read and see at distance without glasses using relatively inexpensive contact lenses. Disadvantages include a loss of depth perception and the possibility of eyestrain symptoms. Some people are simply not comfortable with this arrangement.

Bifocal Contact Lenses
A bifocal contact lens can be used in one or both eyes to maximize both near and distance vision. Unfortunately, sometimes clear reading vision comes with some sacrifice of clear distance vision. Probably on 50% of people successfully use bifocal contact lenses, and they are among the most expensive of contact lenses.