Contact Lenses for Older Adults

Multifocal contact lenses work like bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, providing clear vision at multiple distances. These lenses have different zones or gradual power changes that allow you to see both near and far objects.

With multifocal contacts, you can read a book, use your computer, and drive without needing separate pairs of glasses. Many of our patients appreciate the convenience and freedom these lenses provide in their daily activities.

Monovision is a popular approach where we fit one eye with a lens for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Your brain learns to automatically select the appropriate eye for whatever task you are doing.

• Many people adapt to monovision within a few days to a couple of weeks
• This option typically costs less than multifocal lenses
• Some people may notice reduced depth perception initially
• Some users prefer glasses for driving or high-detail tasks even after adaptation
• We can set up a trial period to see if monovision works well for you

Daily disposable contact lenses are single-use lenses that you throw away at the end of each day. These lenses are especially beneficial for older adults because they eliminate the need for cleaning and storing lenses overnight.

Fresh lenses every day reduce your risk of eye infections and provide consistent comfort, which is particularly helpful if you have dry eyes. Many daily disposables are now available in multifocal designs, combining strong convenience and hygiene benefits.

If you have both astigmatism and presbyopia, you need a lens that corrects the irregular curvature of your cornea while also addressing your reading vision. Toric multifocal lenses are designed specifically for this combination of vision needs.

These specialized lenses were once difficult to fit, but advances in lens design have made them much more accessible and comfortable. We can determine during your fitting whether this type of lens is right for you.

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses that vault the cornea and hold a reservoir of sterile saline. They can protect the ocular surface and improve comfort for moderate to severe dry eye, ocular surface disease, and irregular corneas. Multifocal and toric versions are available.

These lenses require specific insertion and removal training and use of preservative-free sterile saline to fill the lens before application. We will determine whether this option is appropriate for your eyes and dexterity.

Rigid gas-permeable lenses are oxygen-permeable rigid lenses with excellent optics and tear exchange. Modern soft lenses are usually silicone hydrogel materials that also deliver high oxygen while offering initial comfort.

• Gas-permeable lenses often provide sharper vision, especially for astigmatism
• Soft lenses typically feel more comfortable right away
• Gas-permeable lenses may be easier to handle for people with arthritis or dexterity challenges
• Soft lenses come in more multifocal and daily disposable options
• Rigid gas-permeable lenses typically require an adaptation period of several days to a few weeks
• Scleral lenses are larger rigid lenses that may be more comfortable than corneal RGPs for some wearers
• We may recommend one type over the other based on your specific eye health and lifestyle

If you wear reusable contact lenses, proper cleaning every day is critical for preventing eye infections. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.

Use only the contact lens solution we recommend, never water or saliva. Rub and rinse each lens with fresh solution even if you use a no-rub formula, as this mechanical cleaning removes deposits and microorganisms more effectively.

• Use fresh disinfecting solution every time you store lenses. Never top off or reuse solution
• Do not rinse lenses or your case with tap water. Keep lenses and cases away from all water
• Each day, empty the case, rub it with disinfecting solution, wipe dry with a clean tissue, then air dry face down with caps off
• Keep solution bottle tips clean and avoid touching them to any surface. Close caps tightly
• If you use a hydrogen peroxide system, only use the provided case, allow full neutralization before lens wear, and never put non-neutralized peroxide directly into your eye

Following the replacement schedule for your specific lens type is essential for eye health. Daily disposables should never be worn more than once, and two-week or monthly lenses must be discarded on schedule, even if they still feel comfortable.

• Replace daily disposable lenses after each single use
• Discard two-week lenses exactly 14 days after opening the package
• Replace monthly lenses 30 days after opening the package, regardless of how many days you wore them, unless your brand's instructions differ
• Change your lens case every three months or sooner if it becomes damaged or dirty
• Replace peroxide system cases as directed, often with each new bottle

Many contact lens complications arise from habits that seem harmless but actually put your eyes at risk. Never sleep in your lenses unless we have specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses designed for overnight use.

Avoid wearing your lenses while swimming or in a hot tub, as water exposure can introduce dangerous microorganisms. Remove your lenses if your eyes feel irritated rather than trying to push through the discomfort.

• Do not shower while wearing contact lenses
• Even with lenses approved for overnight wear, sleeping in lenses increases infection risk. Avoid this unless we have specifically advised it and are monitoring you closely
• Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove lenses before taking makeup off. Avoid oil-based products around the eyes and aerosol sprays after lens insertion
• Never share contact lenses with anyone
• Keep a current pair of glasses as a backup and for times your eyes need a break
• Do not transfer solution into unapproved travel containers

Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses continue to fit properly. We typically recommend annual exams for established contact lens wearers, but you may need more frequent visits depending on your specific situation.

As you age, your vision and eye health can change more rapidly, making consistent monitoring even more important. These visits also give us a chance to discuss any new lens technologies that might benefit you. New wearers and anyone on extended wear or complex fits may need an early follow-up at 1 to 3 months.

Some symptoms require immediate action to prevent serious complications. Remove your contact lenses right away if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or significant redness.

• Sudden decrease in vision that does not improve when you remove your lenses
• Severe pain that feels like something is scratching your eye
• Intense light sensitivity that makes it difficult to keep your eyes open
• Eye trauma or injury while wearing lenses
• Any symptoms that worsen rapidly or do not improve within a few hours of lens removal
• Recent water exposure while wearing lenses, such as swimming, hot tubs, or showering, especially if symptoms develop