Everything You Need to Know About Multifocal Contact Lenses

Nish Fofaria • 15 December 2024

Discover the ultimate solution for presbyopia with multifocal contact lenses—designed to give you clear vision at all distances.


What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses?


Multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct presbyopia, allowing you to see clearly at varying distances—whether it’s reading a menu, working on your computer, or driving. Unlike single-vision lenses, multifocal lenses have different zones that provide distinct levels of focus for near, intermediate, and far vision.


How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?


There are two primary designs for multifocal lenses:

1. Simultaneous Vision Design: Both near and distance vision zones are present in the lens at the same time. Your brain adapts to focus on the appropriate zone.

2. Translating Design: Similar to bifocal glasses, these lenses shift as you move your eye, with specific zones for near and far vision.


Benefits of Multifocal Contact Lenses


1. Convenience: Eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses.

2. Natural Vision: Provide a seamless transition between near and far vision.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: No glasses to obscure your face or affect your style.

4. Freedom for Active Lifestyles: Ideal for those who play sports or engage in outdoor activities.


Top Multifocal Contact Lens Brands


Acuvue Oasys Multifocal

Material: Silicone hydrogel for high oxygen permeability.
Key Feature: Designed with pupil-optimised optics for a smooth vision experience.


Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal

Material: Water gradient technology for all-day comfort.
Key Feature: Excellent for dry eye sufferers.


Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Presbyopia

Material: MoistureSeal technology to lock in hydration.
Key Feature: Superior intermediate vision for digital device users.


CooperVision Biofinity Multifocal

Material: Made with Aquaform technology for comfort and breathability.
Key Feature: Monthly wear lens with clear vision at all distances.


Are Multifocal Contact Lenses Right for You?


Multifocal lenses are ideal for anyone with presbyopia who prefers the convenience of contact lenses over glasses. However, it’s essential to work with an optometrist to determine the best fit and type of multifocal lens for your lifestyle and vision needs.


Conclusion


Multifocal contact lenses offer a life-changing solution for people dealing with presbyopia. Consult your optometrist to start your journey towards crystal-clear vision at every distance.

CooperVision Biofinity Multifocal


Eyecare Opticians: Your Local Vision Care Experts


Experience quality vision care at Eyecare Opticians in Ham, Kingston Upon Thames.
 
Led by Consultant Optometrist Nish, with over two decades of diverse optometric experience, we offer cutting-edge eye care solutions adapted to your needs.
 
Our services include advanced diagnostic tests like Retinal Photography Optomap and Optical Coherence Tomography, alongside specialized treatments for Myopia control and Dry Eyes. Rated 4.9 stars on Google, we're committed to exceeding patient expectations with the latest equipment and personalized care.
 
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Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know

by Nish Fofaria • 26 November 2025
Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know ... And Why Buying Lenses Online Could Be Riskier Than You Think Contact lenses have come a long way. Over the past decade, we’ve seen major advancements in oxygen permeability, comfort-based materials, moisture-retaining coatings, and even lenses designed to correct specific eye conditions such as dry eye or keratoconus. But at the same time, online contact lens sales have exploded — and not always for the right reasons. Convenience and price comparison make online ordering appealing, yet many patients don’t realise the risks that come with self-selecting lenses without proper clinical oversight. In this article, we’ll explore: • How modern contact lens technology has evolved • The benefits of newer lenses vs older generations • The hidden problems with buying contact lenses online • Why professional fitting matters for long-term eye health How Contact Lens Technology Has Evolved 1. Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t): Older hydrogel lenses restricted oxygen flow to the cornea, often leading to red, irritated eyes and higher infection risk. Modern silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to 5–6x more oxygen to reach the eye, keeping the cornea healthier and whiter throughout the day. 2. Advanced Wetting Agents: Today’s lenses are designed to lock in moisture. Technologies such as HydraGlyde®, TearStable™, and SmartSurface™ mimic natural tears to reduce dryness — especially helpful for digital-screen users and patients prone to dry eye. 3. Daily Disposable Innovation: Daily lenses are now thinner, smoother, and more breathable, minimising protein deposits and infection risk. This is a game-changer for people with allergies or sensitive eyes. 4. Specialised Optical Designs: New lenses can now help with presbyopia, astigmatism, myopia management in children, and dry eye through ultra-moisture and scleral technology. The Problem With Buying Contact Lenses Online ❗ Wrong Prescription — Contact lenses aren't like glasses. Two lenses with the same power can vary hugely in curvature, diameter, and oxygen transmission. ❗ No health assessment — Online retailers do not check for dry eye, corneal swelling or infection risk. ❗ Overwear habits go unnoticed — Sleeping or overwearing lenses increases risk of infection and scarring. ❗ Cheaper doesn’t always mean cheaper — Complications can lead to long-term damage and costly treatment. Why Professional Lens Fitting Matters At Eyecare Opticians Kingston, a contact lens assessment includes: • Corneal health examination • Tear film & dry eye evaluation • Precision fitting based on eye shape + lifestyle • Aftercare & monitoring • Access to the latest lens technology • Long-term eye protection & complication prevention Book a Consultation Eyecare Opticians – Kingston upon Thames 📞 020 8549 0331 🌐 eyecareopticians.com

Glaucoma & OCT Scans: Early Detection Is the Key to Protecting Your Sight

by Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the UK — yet most people don’t realise they have it until significant damage has already occurred. That’s because glaucoma often develops silently, without pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages. At Eyecare Opticians, Kingston upon Thames, we use advanced diagnostic technology, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), to detect glaucoma years earlier than traditional methods alone. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, but glaucoma can occur even with normal pressures. Why Glaucoma Is Known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” In most cases, glaucoma causes: - No pain - No redness - No early warning signs Common Symptoms of Glaucoma - Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision - Blurred vision - Difficulty seeing in low light - Halos around lights - Headaches or eye pain Glaucoma Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians Your glaucoma assessment may include: - OCT Scan - Optomap Ultra-Widefield Scan - Eye Pressure Measurement (IOP) - Visual Field Testing - Optic Nerve Examination Who Is at Risk? - Over age 60 - Family history of glaucoma - High eye pressure - Diabetes - Short- or long-sightedness - Steroid use Treatment Options Treatments include prescription drops, laser procedures, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Book Your Glaucoma Screening Eyecare Opticians 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU 020 8549 0331 www.eyecareopticians.com

Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

by Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of reduced vision worldwide, particularly as we get older. Although they can develop gradually, the good news is that modern diagnostics and treatment make cataracts highly manageable—and often completely curable. At Eyecare Opticians in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients detect cataracts early using advanced imaging such as OCT and Optomap. What Is a Cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). The lens should be clear, allowing light to pass through and focus sharply on the retina. When a cataract develops, vision becomes blurred, hazy, or dim—much like looking through frosted glass. Common Symptoms of Cataracts - Blurred or cloudy vision - Difficulty seeing at night - Glare or halos around lights - Colours appearing faded or dull - Sensitivity to bright lights - Frequent changes in your glasses prescription Causes of Cataracts 1. Ageing – the most common cause. 2. UV Exposure – sunlight accelerates cataract formation. 3. Medical Conditions – diabetes, long-term steroids. 4. Eye Injuries or Surgery. 5. Genetics. Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians We use: - OCT 3D eye scans - Optomap ultra-widefield imaging - Digital vision testing Treatment Options Early cataracts may simply be monitored or managed with updated glasses. Advanced cataracts are treated with surgery—one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. Prevention Tips - Wear UV-protective sunglasses - Eat an antioxidant-rich diet - Stop smoking - Manage conditions such as diabetes - Have regular eye exams, especially over 50 Book Your Cataract Assessment Eyecare Opticians, 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU 020 8549 0331 www.eyecareopticians.com