What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses? How They Work, Reviews & Top Picks

After the age of 40, many people begin to notice signs of presbyopia.
Have you recently found that nearby text looks blurry, or that it’s harder to read your phone or see in dim lighting?
These could be signs that presbyopia is beginning—or progressing.
In recent years, multifocal contact lenses have become a popular and well-established option for managing presbyopia.
You might be wondering, “Do they really help me see clearly?” or “How do they feel to wear?”

In this article, we explain what presbyopia is, how multifocal contact lenses work, share real user reviews, and recommend some of the best products available.
If you're experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, we hope you find this guide helpful.

Basic Knowledge About Presbyopia

What is Presbyopia? Essential Knowledge You Should Know

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that everyone experiences sooner or later.
When you have presbyopia, you can see distant objects relatively well, but it becomes harder to focus on things up close.

It generally begins around your mid-40s and continues to progress until about age 60.
Normally, when you look at something nearby, the lens of your eye (which works like a camera lens) changes its shape by becoming thicker to focus.

However, as you age, the lens becomes harder and less flexible, making it difficult to change thickness and focus on close objects.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Presbyopia?

These are common symptoms associated with presbyopia and related eye strain:

• Difficulty reading small print up close
• Poor vision in the evening or in dim lighting
• Eyes becoming easily tired
• Aching or discomfort deep in the eyes
• Headaches and fatigue after prolonged eye use
• Shoulder stiffness after reading or computer work
• Difficulty performing close-up detailed tasks with your hands

If you feel that you can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty seeing things up close, it may be an early sign of presbyopia. For example, if you find yourself holding a newspaper or book more than 30 cm away to read the text clearly—something you didn’t need to do before—it’s a warning sign to pay attention to.

Is it necessary to take measures against presbyopia?

Yes. Leaving presbyopia untreated can lead to a number of issues, so it's best to take action early. If left unmanaged, presbyopia can make everyday tasks—like checking your smartphone, working on a computer, or reading the newspaper—frustrating.
This constant strain on the eyes can eventually lead to eye fatigue and even headaches.

Glasses or Contact Lenses for Presbyopia?

If you're struggling with near vision due to presbyopia, you might be wondering whether glasses or contact lenses are the better solution.

Here’s a simple comparison of the key benefits of each.

Benefits of Multifocal Contact Lenses

• One lens lets you see clearly at both near and far distances
• Feels almost like natural vision
• No frames means a wider field of view and no fogging
• Stays in place during sports or active movement
• Minimal impact on your appearance

Benefits of Reading Glasses

• Easy to put on and take off
• Simple lens care
• Strong correction makes near vision very sharp
• Lower risk of eye irritation or complications

Each option has its own advantages, so it's best to choose based on your lifestyle and how you plan to use them.

Understanding Multifocal Contact Lenses

How Multifocal Contact Lenses Work

Multifocal contact lenses contain a range of prescriptions—from near to distance vision—within a single lens. This allows you to see clearly both up close and far away with just one lens.

The Difference Between Bifocal and Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are classified into two types based on their design: bifocal and multifocal.

Bifocal lenses have two distinct prescription zones—one for near vision and one for distance vision—clearly separated within the lens. These are more commonly found in hard contact lenses. Depending on the product, the near and distance zones may be placed in the centre or around the edges.

On the other hand, multifocal lenses have a gradual transition of power from the centre to the outer edge, allowing smooth focus at different distances. This type is more common in soft contact lenses. The placement of near and distance zones also varies by product.

Which type works best depends on your individual vision needs, so it’s important to consult with your eye care professional.

How Vision Works with Multifocal Lenses

As shown in the images, wearing multifocal contact lenses allows you to see both near and far clearly.

Compared to regular contact lenses, the sharpness of distant vision may be slightly reduced, but documents and reading materials up close become much easier to see.

You won’t need to switch lenses depending on the situation, making it comfortable to wear a single pair for all your vision needs.

Recommended Multifocal Contact Lenses for Beginners and User Reviews

For those who don’t know which multifocal contact lenses to choose for their first time, we introduce our top recommended products along with user reviews.

If you prefer daily lenses, we recommend MyDay Multifocal. For monthly lenses, Biofinity Multifocal is a great choice.

Reviews for MyDay Multifocal

Review from a woman in her 50s – ★★★★★
After trying several products, this one doesn’t dry out my eyes. It’s comfortable, and both distant and close vision are clear—perfect for my eyes.

Review from a woman in her 50s – ★★★★★
I tried MyDay as my first multifocal contact lenses! Before developing presbyopia, I loved using MyDay for my nearsightedness, so the comfort remains the same. I was pleasantly surprised by how clear my vision is. Since I wear them on days when I go out, I'm also happy that they have UV protection.

For daily multifocal contact lenses, we recommend MyDay Multifocal by CooperVision. It combines the high oxygen permeability, softness, moisture retention, and UV protection of silicone hydrogel lenses, ensuring comfort and clarity throughout the day. The daily lens design offers convenience, as you only wear them when needed, with no cleaning or storage required.

Click here to find out more.

Reviews for Biofinity Multifocal Lenses

Review from a woman in her 50s – ★★★★★
I’ve been using contact lenses since my 20s, but lately, my usual prescription no longer helps with near vision. I tried several multifocal lenses but couldn’t find one that worked, so I gave up for a while. Then I tried this one, and it was a perfect fit—both near and far vision are clear. I’m even considering adjusting the distance prescription a bit more.

For the record, I still haven’t found a 1-day multifocal lens that suits me. Monthly lenses can be a bit of a hassle, but this one is worth it. The comfort and clarity of both near and distance vision are unmatched.

Review from a woman in her 50s – ★★★★★
I tried several kinds of lenses, and among the monthly options, this one fit me best. The cost performance is also excellent!

For monthly multifocal contact lenses, we recommend Biofinity Multifocal by CooperVision for those seeking a reliable monthly multifocal lens. It features a unique lens design that supports sharp, natural vision at all distances. Its moisture barrier helps reduce the buildup of makeup residue and protein deposits, maintaining clear vision throughout the 30-day wear period.

Click here to find out more.

Browse all multifocal lens options here.

Presbyopia is something everyone experiences eventually. It can feel inconvenient, but it’s a natural part of aging. That said, leaving it unaddressed can lead to eye strain, physical discomfort, and even mental fatigue.

Fortunately, today’s multifocal contact lenses offer an easy and effective solution. For the health of your eyes, body, and mind—and to keep your daily life comfortable—it’s best to take action early.

Browse our resources for expert advice on keeping your lenses and eyes in top condition.