How to Adjust to Your New Multifocal Glasses

Many people find themselves needing multifocal eyeglasses as they age, which may not be easy to adjust to if one only ever had used unifocal eyeglasses. Here are some tips on how to adjust to bifocals, progressives and other multifocal lenses.

The Different Types of Multifocal Lenses

You might already be familiar with bifocal lenses, which are made of two pieces that combine distance- and near-vision correction. Trifocals are built similarly, but with three regions that provide correction for distance vision, intermediate or arm’s length vision, and near-vision. Both types of lenses have distinct visible lines that separate the lenses. They are, after all, made from different pieces of glass fused together.

For people who find traditional bifocal or trifocals uncomfortable or visually unappealing, progressive lenses are ideal because they feature gradual change in power within a single lens. Progressive lenses are also thinner and lighter than other types of multifocal lenses. Multifocal contacts are made using the same process.

Tips on Wearing Multifocal Lenses for the First Time

Doing the following can help make it easier to adapt to your new multifocal contacts or eyeglasses:

1. Wear your multifocals all the time for the first few days – Try to wear your new multifocals as often as you can while they’re new as it helps train your eyes when moving between the different parts of the lenses. Most people who do this are able to adjust to their multifocals within a week or two. You may also need to change the way you read during this period.

2. Don’t look down while walking – People tend to watch their feet while walking when they’re wearing new eyewear. The lower part of multifocal lenses tend to make things look bigger, which could make you miscalculate your steps and cause accidents in certain situations, such as when descending the stairs. If you must look down while walking, tilt your head down, and look above the lower part of your lenses.

3. Make sure your new glasses fit your face properly – Choosing frames with the right fit is crucial when you’re switching to multifocals. The height of the lenses in relation to your eyes is a factor when choosing new frames, so you should take your time to make sure the frames are comfortable. If you are concerned about in-person visits when choosing your frames, check out how our “Snow White Protocol” helps us keep our clients safe.

Insight Vision Center Optometry is your leading provider of eyeglasses and other vision therapy products, including scleral lenses. Give us a call at (714) 486-3315. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA, as well as the surrounding communities.