My doctor told me I couldn't wear regular contact lenses for presbyopia. Why not?

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the eye cannot focus on near objects. In most cases, reading glasses or bifocal glasses are prescribed to correct presbyopia. But contact lenses can be prescribed also. Special bifocal contact lenses are available, but success rates can be variable, and bifocals are generally more expensive. As an alternative, many practitioners prescribe a system called monovision where one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other with a reading lens. Approximately two-thirds of patients adapt to this type of contact lens wear, with the brain automatically switching to the eye more clearly in focus. ... more

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the eye cannot focus on near objects. In most cases, reading glasses or bifocal glasses are prescribed to correct presbyopia. But contact lenses can be prescribed also. Special bifocal contact lenses are available, but success rates can be variable, and bifocals are generally more expensive. As an alternative, many practitioners prescribe a system called monovision where one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other with a reading lens. Approximately two-thirds of patients adapt to this type of contact lens wear, with the brain automatically switching to the eye more clearly in focus. ... more