Bifocal Contact Lenses: Risks & Safety Concerns

For people with certain conditions such as presbyopia, or 'old eyes,' single vision contact lenses cannot correct both near and far vision. As an alternative to foregoing contact lenses in favor of bifocal eyeglasses, many patients have turned to bifocal contact lenses which can correct both near and far vision. These lenses work well in many wearers. However, as with all contact lenses, there are some dangers associated with bifocal contacts.

Significance

• One of the most potent dangers of bifocal contact lenses comes from improper care. That can lead to fungal infection of the eye.

Geography

• Fusarium, an organism which is found more frequently in the southern states than in more northern climates, can scar the cornea and result in blindness.

Features

• Fungal keratitis, which has been linked to certain bifocal contact lens solutions, can cause inflammation, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eye lesions.

Effects

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 34 percent of victims of fungal keratitis required a corneal transplant.

Warning

• Bifocal contact lenses take an adjustment period and may cause double or triple vision, ghost images, or make images jump out when your eyes shift from the near to far prescription.