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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Bifocal contact lenses allow a person to see clearly both at a distance and up close by correcting near, intermediate, and distance vision. Anyone interested in trying bifocal contact lenses can consult an eye doctor to help them choose the most suitable type. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 9 of the best bifocal contact lensesBest for moisture retention for longer periods Biofinity MultifocalBest for additional comfort Proclear MultifocalBest for more moisture content: Bausch + Lomb ULTRABest for monthly lenses for presbyopia PureVision 2 Multi-FocalBest for biweekly lenses Acuvue Oasys for PresbyopiaBest for daily lenses 1-Day Acuvue Moist MultifocalBest for daily lenses with multiple transition zones clariti 1 day multifocalBest for daily lenses with a higher moisture content DAILIES AquaComfort Plus MultifocalBest for daily lenses for presbyopia DAILIES TOTAL1 MultifocalAn estimated 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses to correct refractive errors. These occur when light cannot accurately focus on the retina due to the eye’s shape. Examples of refractive errors are:myopia, or nearsightednesshyperopia, or farsightednesspresbyopia, also known as age-related farsightednessastigmatism It is possible to correct refractive errors with eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses. In this article, we review nine of the best bifocal contact lenses available online. We also look at some alternatives and discuss ways to prevent eyestrain. About bifocal contact lenses Bifocal contact lenses come as either soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are flexible and more comfortable, but they are delicate and can tear more easily. By contrast, RGP lenses are more durable, but they may not feel as comfortable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of people who wear contact lenses choose the soft version. Contact lens materials Manufacturers make contact lenses from different types of materials. For example, they use plastics that allow oxygen to reach the eye and are slightly flexible. These are most common in RGP lenses. Newer lenses use silicone hydrogels that get wet better to retain comfort. Manufacturers usually use this type of soft plastic in soft lenses. The table below provides examples of the various lenses available and how they may differ.Type of lensUsed forWear durationBenefitsConsiderationsRGPmost prescriptionsdailycomfortableshort adaptation periodavailable in bifocalsfrequent wear required to maintain adaptationmay move from the center of the eyeregular office visits requiredExtended-wear disposablevariable but may not work for all prescriptionsup to 30 dayslittle to no cleaningreduced risk of infectioncan have spare lensespotentially less clear sight than with RGP lensesmay not be suitable for all visual conditionstrickier handlingExtended wearvariable but may not work for all prescriptionsup to 30 dayswearable for up to 7 days without removalsome lenses are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for up to 30 daysmay not be suitable for all prescriptionsregular office visits requiredmay increase risk of complicationsPlanned replacementavailable for purchase on most prescriptionsdailysimple disinfection and cleaninggood for maintaining eye healthvariable duration options from biweekly to quarterlypotentially less clear sight than with RGP lensesmay not be suitable for all visual conditionstrickier handling Without correction, astigmatism can cause blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Typically, soft contact lenses that may help with astigmatism have two curves instead of one. Experts refer to such lenses as toric soft lenses. RGP lenses may also help with astigmatism, as they are slightly more rigid and maintain their shape when in place on the cornea. When these types of lenses have two curves, experts refer to them as bitoric RGP lenses. How we chose Medical News Today chooses bifocal contact lenses according to the following criteria where possible:Wear duration: A range of contact lenses suitable for daily, biweekly, and monthly wear.Vision needs: Contact lenses that are also suitable for astigmatism and presbyopia.Moisture content: Contact lenses with varying levels of moisture content to suit a range of requirements. List of bifocal contact lenses In the sections below, we list some of the top bifocal contact lenses that people may consider purchasing. It is important to remember that all contact lenses are only available with a current, valid prescription. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for moisture retention for longer periods Biofinity MultifocalType: softMoisture content: 48%Wear duration: monthlyLenses per box: six Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses by CooperVision are soft, oxygen permeable lenses. Their Aquaform Technology uses silicone macromers that help lock in water, keeping the lenses moist over long periods. CooperVision manufacture these lenses using their Balanced Progressive Technology, which provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. Additionally, this product is also available to purchase online as toric multifocal contact lenses for those with astigmatism and presbyopia.SHOP NOW Best for additional comfort Proclear MultifocalType: softMoisture content: 62%Wear duration: monthlyLenses per box: six These CooperVision multifocal lenses incorporate water molecules into the lenses themselves. This in turn may help prevent dryness and improve comfort. People can also purchase Proclear Multifocal Toric contact lenses for presbyopia online.SHOP NOW Best for more moisture contact Bausch Lomb ULTRAType: softMoisture content: 46%Wear duration: monthlyLenses per box: six These multifocal contact lenses gradually transition between three vision zones, providing clear near, intermediate, and distance vision. According to the manufacturer, these lenses maintain 95% of their moisture for 16 hours. These lenses are available for people with presbyopia and astigmatism. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism contact lenses are also available to purchase online.SHOP NOW Best for monthly lenses for presbyopia PureVision 2 Multi-FocalType: softMoisture content: 36%Wear duration: monthlyLenses per box: six These PureVision 2 Multi-Focal contact lenses by Bausch + Lomb correct presbyopia. Additionally, they provide three zones of vision correction.SHOP NOW Best for biweekly lenses Acuvue Oasys for PresbyopiaType: softMoisture content: 38%Wear duration: biweeklyLenses per box: six Acuvue Oasys are soft multifocal contact lenses that correct presbyopia. These lenses reportedly use technology that helps lock in moisture, preventing the eyes from becoming dry. They also block both UV A and B light.SHOP NOW Best for daily lenses 1-Day Acuvue Moist MultifocalType: softMoisture content: 58%Wear duration: dailyLenses per box: 30 Acuvue offers these daily, disposable multifocal lenses that provide UV protection and lasting moisture thanks to their LACREON technology.SHOP NOW Best for daily lenses with multiple transition zones clariti 1 day multifocalType: softMoisture content: 56%Wear duration: dailyLenses per box: 30 These CooperVision daily multifocal contact lenses transition between four different viewing zones — near, intermediate near, intermediate distance, and distance — from the center to the periphery. They also provide UV protection.SHOP NOW Best for daily lenses with a higher moisture content DAILIES AquaComfort Plus MultifocalType: softMoisture content: 69%Wear duration: dailyLenses per box: 30 DAILIES AquaComfort Plus daily contact lenses accommodate multiple vision prescriptions. They come with blink-activated moisture technology for added comfort.SHOP NOW Best for daily lenses for presbyopia DAILIES TOTAL1 MultifocalType: softMoisture content: 33%Wear duration: dailyLenses per box: 30 These multifocal lenses by Alcon improve near vision and correct presbyopia. It is also worth noting that they have a lower moisture content than some other lens options. However, because of the unique technology they use, they get wet better on the surface of the lens.SHOP NOW How to shop for bifocal lenses Some factors to consider when shopping for contact lenses include:Duration of wear: Companies may offer monthly, biweekly, or daily disposable lenses. It is important to only wear the contact lenses for as long as the manufacturer recommends.Moisture content: People with dryer eyes may wish to purchase lenses with higher moisture content.Vision needs: Individuals with astigmatism or presbyopia should only purchase contact lenses suitable for these vision conditions.Subscription options: Some companies may offer a subscription option that reduces the overall cost of contact lenses. Contacting a doctor Bifocal contact lenses are available when a healthcare professional prescribes them. A person interested in transitioning to this type of eyewear should schedule an eye exam with a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist to discuss whether bifocal contact lenses are right for them. Protecting the eyes While vision changes are a natural part of aging, the National Eye Institute (NEI) recommends people try the following to protect their vision:wearing sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy dayswearing protective eyewear when playing sports or working with power toolsregularly disinfecting and replacing contact lenses A person can also help prevent eyestrain by taking frequent breaks from electronic screens, such as computer monitors and phones. The NEI suggests using the 20-20-20 rule, where a person looks away from an electronic screen every 20 minutes and looks at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Frequently asked questions about bifocal contact lenses Here are some common questions and answers regarding bifocal lenses. What is the difference between multifocal and bifocal contacts Bifocal lenses are a type of multifocal contact lenses. They feature two prescriptions in the same contact lenses. Multifocal lenses are similar to progressive eyeglasses, with different prescriptions for reading, far, and intermediate distances. How do bifocal contacts stay in place Rigid contact lenses have a flatter edge at the bottom of the lens that helps them stay in place. Soft contact lenses move around the eye as a person looks in different directions. An eye doctor will advise which type of contact lenses are best for individuals. How much do bifocal contacts cost The cost of bifocal contact lenses depends on whether a person has insurance. However, they are often more expensive than single prescription contacts. Without insurance, bifocal contact lenses may cost up to $1,500 per year. Summary Bifocal contact lenses correct near and distance vision problems in a single lens. These lenses correct near, intermediate, and distance vision. Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses also offer effective and convenient vision correction for individuals with presbyopia. If someone is looking into trying bifocal or multifocal contact lenses, they should seek guidance from an eye doctor before changing the type of eyewear they use. Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2021Uncategorized 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Astigmatism. (n.d.).https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism?sso=yContact lenses. (2019).https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/contact-lensesFast facts. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.htmlFricke, T. R., et al. (2018). Global prevalence of presbyopia and vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia.https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(17)33797-1/fulltextKeep your eyes healthy. (2021).https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthyList of contact lenses. (2019).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/list-contact-lensesPresbyopia. (2020).https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/presbyopiaTypes of contact lenses. (2018).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/types-contact-lensesTypes of contact lenses. (n.d.).https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/types-of-contact-lenses?sso=yFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — By Jamie Eske — Updated on July 4, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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This article looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for vision loss in one eye.READ MOREWhat to know about 1-800 ContactsMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN 1-800 contacts are an online retailer of contact lenses. They also offer online sight tests if a person needs to renew their prescription. Read more…READ MORE