If you have reached your 40s and noticed that menus look smaller or your phone needs to be held just a little farther away, don't worry. Your eyes are going through a normal age related change. And our Chandler eye care team at Wagner EyeCare Associates is here to help!
Many adults assume the shift in their vision caused by presbyopia automatically means giving up contact lenses, but that's not always the case. With today’s options, contact lenses for those over 40 can still be comfortable, clear, and practical for everyday life.
How Vision Changes After 40
The most common change adults notice in their 40s is presbyopia. Presbyopia happens when the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible over time. This flexibility is what allows your eyes to shift focus between near and far objects. As that flexibility decreases, close up tasks like reading, texting, or computer work become harder.
Presbyopia is not a disease and it does not mean something is wrong with your eyes. It affects nearly everyone, regardless of whether they have worn glasses or contact lenses before. For some people, distance vision stays clear while near vision becomes blurry. Others notice changes at both distances.
Can You Still Wear Contact Lenses With Presbyopia?
Yes, many adults with presbyopia are good candidates for contact lenses. The key is choosing the right type of lens and having a proper fitting. Modern presbyopia contacts are designed to address multiple focusing needs without sacrificing comfort.
If you have worn contacts in the past but stopped due to discomfort or vision issues, it may be worth trying again. Lens technology has advanced significantly, especially in the past decade.
Types of Contact Lenses for Adults Over 40
There is no one size fits all solution for presbyopia. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will consider your lifestyle, work habits, and visual priorities before recommending an option.
Multifocal contact lenses
Multifocal lenses are one of the most popular choices for presbyopia contacts. They contain different prescription powers within the same lens, allowing your eyes to focus at near, intermediate, and far distances. Many patients find these lenses helpful for daily activities like driving, reading, and computer use.
Monovision contact lenses
Monovision uses one contact lens for distance vision and the other for near vision. Your brain learns to balance the two images. Some people adapt very well to monovision, while others prefer multifocal lenses. A trial period helps determine if this approach works for you.
Distance contacts with reading glasses
Some patients choose to continue wearing single vision contact lenses for distance and use reading glasses for close work. This option can work well if your near vision needs are occasional or predictable.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Contact Lenses over 40?
You may be a good candidate for contact lenses for over 40 if you:
- Have healthy eyes and adequate tear production
- Want freedom from switching between multiple pairs of glasses
- Spend time on activities that benefit from clear distance and near vision
- Are willing to attend follow up visits to fine tune your prescription
Dry eye is more common with aging eyes, but it does not automatically rule out contacts. In many cases, lens material changes or dry eye treatment can improve comfort.
Why a Professional Fitting Matters
Presbyopia contacts require more precision than standard lenses. Small adjustments in prescription or lens design can make a big difference in clarity and comfort. A comprehensive contact lens exam includes evaluating eye health, tear film quality, and how your eyes work together.
At Wagner EyeCare Associates, fittings are personalized, not rushed. Whether you are balancing work, family, and recreation or enjoying an active lifestyle around Chandler, the goal is vision that feels natural and dependable.
When to Schedule an Evaluation
If you are over 40 and frustrated with reading glasses or blurry near vision, it is a good time to schedule an eye exam. Even if you were told years ago that contacts were not an option, newer presbyopia contact lenses may be a better fit today.
Clear vision supports an active, confident life. From navigating busy streets downtown to enjoying quiet moments with a book, the right contact lenses can make everyday tasks easier.
If you are curious about multifocal lenses in Chandler or want to explore presbyopia contacts, schedule a contact lens evaluation with Wagner EyeCare Associates to find out which option works best for your eyes and your lifestyle.
Contact Lens FAQs for Adults Over 40
How long does it take to adjust to multifocal contact lenses?
Most people adjust within a few days to a few weeks. Your brain needs time to learn how to use the different focusing zones in the lenses. Follow up visits allow your doctor to make small adjustments if needed.
Are multifocal contact lenses more expensive than regular contacts?
Multifocal and presbyopia contacts typically cost more than standard single vision lenses. They also require a more detailed fitting. Many patients feel the added convenience and visual range are worth the difference.
Can I use multifocal contacts on a computer all day?
Yes, but computer work places unique demands on your eyes. Some patients need slight prescription adjustments or lens changes to improve comfort and clarity for extended screen time.
Do presbyopia contacts work if I have astigmatism?
In many cases, yes. There are multifocal contact lenses designed for people with astigmatism. Your eye doctor can determine which lens designs are available for your prescription.
Will I still need glasses if I wear contact lenses for presbyopia?
Some people keep a pair of glasses for specific tasks like long reading sessions or very detailed close work. Others are comfortable relying on contacts alone for most daily activities.