Top 7 Contact Lenses for Reading

Constantly swapping between traditional reading glasses and regular eyewear is disruptive and annoying. It inhibits smooth transitioning between varying distances required in everyday life. Many simply tolerate blurred near vision from this visual disruption - straining the eyes.

Reader contact lenses provide an appealing alternative to cumbersome reading glasses. With innovative multifocal capabilities, these specialized contacts offer seamless clarity up close, at middle ranges, and farther away.

In this guide, we will explore the benefits reader contact lenses can offer those seeking to regain near-vision clarity and freedom. Read on to discover the top reader contact lens options to improve comfort, convenience, and productivity.

Importance of Contact Lens for Reading

Contact lenses designed to address presbyopia are becoming increasingly important as an alternative to traditional reading glasses. Presbyopia, which typically begins around age 40, affects the eye's ability to focus on close objects, making reading challenging.

Contact lenses, such as multifocal lenses, offer a solution by providing clear vision at all distances, eliminating the need to switch between visual aids for near-, intermediate-, and distance vision.

These lenses are tailored to correct vision, providing a seamless transition from viewing objects up close to those far away. This feature makes them particularly useful for reading, other close-up tasks, and general daily activities.

Top 7 Best Reader Contact Lenses

When searching for contact lenses for reading, it is important to consider comfort, preference, eye prescriptions, and eye needs. We have assembled a list of recommended best reader contact lenses for individuals to support their vision needs.

Our evaluation includes:

• Ability to retain eye moisture
• Brand and material
• Extended wear
• Eye health

If you're looking for the best contact lenses for reading, check out our recommendations below!

The DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal lenses, priced at $144.99 for 90 lenses per box, blend Precision Profile® design and water gradient technology for clear vision and exceptional comfort. They are suitable for presbyopia correction, offer hydration and breathability, are ideal for extended wear, and reduce the need for reading glasses.

Their daily disposable nature ensures fresh lenses, while the multifocal design seamlessly transitions between different visual zones, which is essential for those with presbyopia. This makes them a valuable alternative to traditional reading glasses, offering convenience and superior visual performance.

Pros

• Water gradient technology ensures comfort.
• Daily disposables for easy use.
• Precision Profile® design for clear vision at all distances.
• High moisture levels reduce dryness.
• Allows oxygen to reach the eyes.

Cons

• Higher price for daily disposables.
• Daily replacement can be tedious.
• Some may need time to adjust to multifocal design.
• More environmental impact due to daily disposal.
• May not suit all presbyopia prescriptions.

Bausch + Lomb Ultra contacts, priced at $62.99 per box with 6 lenses, are designed for monthly use, featuring MoistureSeal technology for 16-hour moisture retention and a 3-Zone Progressive Design for clear vision across all distances.

The silicone hydrogel material ensures oxygen flow, making them a comfortable choice for extended wear. However, they require regular care due to the monthly replacement schedule and come at a higher cost than some alternatives. Proper maintenance is essential to avoid infections, and adaptation might be necessary for some users.

Pros

• High moisture retention enhances comfort.
• Clear vision at various distances.
• Reduced eye dryness over long wear times.
• Suitable for extended daily use.
• Advanced material allows good oxygen flow.

Cons

• A monthly replacement schedule requires regular care.
• Higher cost compared to some daily disposables.
• Not suitable for those who prefer glasses as a style choice.
• Risk of infection if not cared for properly.
• May take time to adjust for some users.

The ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL, priced at $72.99 per box with 30 lenses, is designed to meet the visual and comfort needs of individuals experiencing presbyopia, especially in the digital age where extended screen time is common.

It employs innovative technologies to ensure clear vision, lighting conditions, and superior distance comfort. This lens addresses the challenges of reduced blinking from screen time and the need for protection against blue-violet light, offering a solution for aging eyes that demand more from vision correction solutions.

Pros

• Tailored design for visual clarity at all distances.
• Enhanced comfort and prolonged tear film stability.
• Reduced light scatter and discomfort from halos/starbursts.
• High-level blue-violet light filtering for digital screen protection.
• Effective for the majority on the first fitting.

Cons

• Higher cost compared to some multifocal lenses.
• Daily disposable nature may increase long-term expenses.
• Requires adaptation for some users transitioning from glasses.
• Not suitable for those preferring non-contact alternatives.
• Potential for discomfort or adjustment issues in a minority of wearers.

DAILIES AquaComfort Plus Multifocal lenses, priced at $47.99 per box with 30 lenses, combine HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology for sustained moisture and a Unique Precision Profile design. This design ensures clear vision at all distances by blending prescription strengths across the lens, complementing the eye's natural function.

They blend the convenience of daily disposables with advanced technologies for moisture and vision clarity across all distances. These lenses are particularly beneficial for adults aged 40 or older who experience difficulty focusing on near objects, providing a seamless transition from using reading glasses to enjoying clear vision in daily activities without lens maintenance.

Pros

• Blink-activated moisture for all-day comfort.
• Specifically, it addresses presbyopia with clear vision at all ranges.
• No maintenance is required; start fresh daily.
• Exceptional comfort upon insertion.
• Precision Profile design for smooth vision transition.

Cons

• Higher cumulative cost with daily disposables.
• It is not suitable for those preferring to wear long-term lenses.
• May require adaptation for some users.
• Limited to daily use; no extended wear option.
• Requires consistent purchasing and stocking up.

Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses from CooperVision, priced at $87.99 for a box of 6, are designed to address presbyopia, providing clear vision at various distances.

With technologies like Balanced Progressive and Aquaform, these lenses ensure moisture retention and breathability, making them a suitable alternative to reading glasses for those seeking comfort and clarity without the hassle of daily replacements.

Pros

• Clear vision across all distances thanks to Balanced Progressive Technology.
• High oxygen permeability promotes healthier eyes.
• Aquaform Technology maintains moisture for greater comfort.
• Suitable for overnight wear with ophthalmologist approval.
• High breathability reduces eye irritation and fatigue.

Cons

• Higher price point compared to some other multifocal lenses.
• A monthly replacement schedule requires regular care and maintenance.
• May not be suitable for all types of presbyopia.
• An initial adaptation period may be necessary for some wearers.
• Continuous wear needs professional consultation to avoid potential eye health risks.

The Proclear Multifocal N XR lenses, priced at $182.99 per box with 6 lenses, are designed for individuals experiencing presbyopia and dryness.

These lenses utilize PC Technology for moisture retention and Balanced Progressive Technology for clear vision at all distances, making them a viable alternative to reading glasses.

Pros

• Utilizes PC Technology to maintain moisture, reducing eye dryness.
• Offers clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, addressing presbyopia effectively.
• Designed for monthly use, offering durability and consistent performance.
• Its high water content keeps lenses moist, enhancing comfort during prolonged wear.
• Balanced Progressive Technology supports seamless vision transition across different distances.

Cons

• Higher price point compared to other multifocal lenses.
• Requires regular care due to the monthly replacement schedule.
• Some wearers may need time to adapt to the multifocal design.
• May not cater to all presbyopic prescription needs.
• Monthly lenses demand diligent cleaning and storage to prevent infection.

The Avaira Vitality contact lenses, priced at $38.99 per box, are designed for bi-weekly replacement and cater to both nearsightedness and farsightedness. These lenses combine affordability with advanced silicone hydrogel technology, ensuring high oxygen permeability and continuous moisture. They also feature Class 1 UV protection for added eye safety.

Their features make them a viable option for those seeking a balance between performance and price, providing a practical alternative to reading glasses for users requiring consistent vision correction.

Pros

• High breathability promotes eye health.
• Class 1 UV protection shields against harmful rays.
• Advanced material ensures continuous moisture.
• Designed for easy handling.
• Affordable without compromising quality.

Cons

• Bi-weekly replacement schedule requires more maintenance.
• Not suitable for daily disposable preferences.
• May not correct all vision issues.
• Requires regular cleaning.
• Limited to nearsightedness and farsightedness correction.

Final Words

Two leading solutions stand out when choosing optimal contact lenses to address near vision difficulties: DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal and ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day Multifocal.

DAILIES TOTAL1 leverages a Precision Profile design and water gradient technology for all-day comfort and seamless vision clarity up close and at a distance. The daily disposables maintain consistent moisture and performance without lens care.

Similarly, ACUVUE OASYS MAX employs cutting-edge optics to accommodate aging eyes in modern life. Innovative features retain moisture, minimize halos, filter blue light, and provide enhanced contrast for crisp near and far sight.

With best-in-class moisture retention, precision engineering, and advanced visual correction, these multifocal contacts empower freedom from age-related close vision troubles. With these leading solutions, people experiencing issues with near work can enjoy reliable comfort and sharp sight at any stage of life.

FAQs on Contact Lenses for Reading

How do contact lenses for reading work?

These lenses have multiple prescription zones or powers within one lens, allowing seamless vision across all distances.

Who should consider using contact lenses for reading?

These specialty contact lenses are particularly useful for those experiencing difficulty with near vision or those who are seeking an alternative to reading glasses.

Are there different types of contact lenses for reading?

Yes, there are a variety of types including multifocal and monovision lenses, each tailored to individual vision correction needs.