Are Multifocal Contacts not for me?

Sherm67 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 04:28 PM

At 41 years old, I recently received progressive eyeglasses from my eye care professional. I sit in front of a computer all day for work and had been having headaches, so I decided to have my eyes checked. I wasn't having an issue reading, just having headaches. The doctors informed me that I needed progressive glasses because my distance vision had gotten worse since my last visit. I must admit, that my vision has been better with the progressive glasses and the headaches have almost gone away.

Since I run marathons, participate in other sports, and ride motorcycles, I decided to try contacts. The first pair of multifocals the doctor gave me to try were bad. My left eye was so blurry that I couldn't make anything out. A few days later, the doctor gave me another pair to try. This time I could distance very well, but couldn't read anything up close. She said since my vision was not that bad, I may want to not wear anything when I'm playing sports or riding my motorcycle, but she wanted me to try the second pair on one of my runs. I couldn't read my running watch during my next run wearing that pair of lenses. Which I can do without my glasses or contacts. For that follow-up first, I was given a third pair to try. These are better, but I feel my normal vision is still better than my vision is with these lenses.

I've heard that it can be a lot of trial and error finding the right multifocal contact lenses. I do understand that the lenses are not going to be as good as the glasses. But shouldn't they be better than my vision without anything? Should I continue searching or should I just give up? I know I have to make that decision. My vision on my runs are not as good as I would like for it to be. It's hard for me to see who the person who is running ahead or behind me. Does anyone have a suggestion that may help? The doctors aren't telling what lenses they are having me try. Should I try another doctor?

HMBgal · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 03:03 PM

I'm older than you, but my contact journey sounds just like yours. I've come to correcting my distance vision to 20/40, which is what CA state requires, but I do have to wear reading glasses. I can see my Blackberry messages w/o them, and I can shop without them as long as the print isn't teeny tiny. Not having to wear glasses during my workouts was a primary reason for my lenses. I bike, Zumba, lift weights, etc., and going without correction wasn't an option. Less than sharp vision really affects my balance, motivation...everything. Good luck to to find the best vision you can. Don't give up. I'm in Proclear multi-focal torics.

Sherm67 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 06:02 PM

Thanks for responding. I was about to give up, but I think I'll call the office tomorrow and try to see someone again. How many pair of contacts did you have to try before you found the right ones?

Sherm67 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 07:36 PM

I have another question. Should I be able to tell an improvement in my vision from the moment I put the contact lenses in? People I know who wear contacts (but not multifocal contacts) tell me how great their vision improved as soon as they put their lenses in.

HMBgal · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 08:51 PM

I tried gas perms about 8 years ago and gave up. I could see great but had dry eye problems. The doc never did try another type of material, so he gave up and so did I. I finally got heartily sick of my glasses during my fitness classes, plus I work with children with special needs and got really tired of having my glasses bent, snatched off my face, scratched, etc.

So, I decided to try again. My expectations were low and I was willing to deal with only wearing them a few hours a day--for my workouts and special social occasions. I tried five different prescriptions of the Proclears and I'm sure the office got sick of me. Tough. They finally got it as close to right as it was going to get and I dropped $400 for a year's supply of lenses. I could tell that the material would be okay, my eyes didn't dry out (I also take TheraTears supplements and drink lots of water), and my vision is acceptable. Not great: I don't drive any distance with them at night (the torics cause halos and starbursts and my brain doesn't seem to be adjusting to this), and I can't read small print, but I can see my wristwatch, I can see the fitness instructor from the back of the room, and I can read road signs from a pretty good distance.

Only you can decide what is acceptable. I don't think it's too much to expect to be able to see the runners around you. I came into it knowing that my vision wouldn't be perfect and that I would have to be very motivated to hang in there until I was satisfied. The gas perms were far better for me as far as crispness and correction goes, but I just couldn't tolerate them. My docs didn't offer any other materials, even though there were many that they could have offered. Hold their feet to the fire until you're getting the best fit, material, and prescription possible.

And to answer your last question: Yes, I could tell the difference immediately. Well, give them 20 minutes to settle in to make sure your tears aren't messing things up.