Struggles with multifocal contacts

[mckeon04]

I have been wearing contacts or glasses for myopia for 34 years. About 5 years ago, I developed presbyopia and switched to multifocal contacts. Ever since, I have been very frustrated with my vision. Every year I go through countless combinations of contact brands and prescriptions, and every year I end up settling for "close enough" and then struggling to see clearly for the rest of the year. Is it possible to actually get perfect vision at all distances, or should I continue to just settle and be frustrated every day when I can't see clearly?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your problem is very common. Why you don't see many people in their 50's and 60's wearing contacts.  Bifocal contacts have a very low success rate. The most important thing is to be sure your eye does not have a medical problem. I would suggest you see an Eye MD ophthalmologist, for a full exam, including dilate pupil, a glasses test (refraction) and macular and NFL OCT testing. Don't wear your contact for 5-7 days before going in.  If no disease and your see well with glasses then you might need to consider switching to glasses or ask the Eye MD ophthalmologist about your options for refractive surgery like LASIK.