In preparation for getting fitted out with multifocal lenses, I did a lot of
internet research (including searching the archives of this group) and came
up with very little apart from a few messages here seriously questioning
their value. I decided to go ahead and try them anyway and I am so pleased
with the result that I thought I should report it here to balance up the
discussion a little.

I am nearly 50, long sighted (+5.5 right, +6 left) and have been using
ordinary Focus Daily disposables for several years. With just the standard
contacts, I could read moderately large print for a short time, but needed
+1 reading glasses for any significant duration of close work. I have always
found glasses really uncomfortable - that's why I switched to contacts in
the forst place - so I was seriously interested in anything which could
remove the need for reading glasses.

My optician ran some checks and suggested Bausch&Lomb SofLens Mulitfocals -
she got me an initial trial pair of +5.75 Low Add for both eyes. I was not
overly optimistic and had read that there could be a moderately long
adaptation period for multifocal contacts, but within minutes of putting
them in, my sight was as good as I have ever known it with contacts OR
prescription glasses. The tests show that I more than meet the legal
requirements for driving, I have not noticed any halo or ghosting and I have
forgotten where my reading glasses are!

I had expected some discomfort - daily disposables are always described as
the most comfortable and I did tend to start to get a bit sore after 12
hours or so of wear. My original prescribing optician described my eyes as
"dry-ish" and did wonder if I would be able to use lenses long-term. But the
Bausch&Lombs are proving to be the most comfortable lenses I have ever
worn - I really do forget that they are there and they are as comfortable
after twelve hours as they were when I put them in. Cleaning them is a bit
of a pain, but I put up with it for the convenience of throwing the reading
glasses away!

I'm sure that they would not suit everyone, but if you are interested, don't
be put off by other people's criticisms - they are certainly worth a try. I
can't speak for the other brands - unfortunately we long-sighted are far
less well served for contacts as you shorties and the only others which my
optician was prepared to recommend were not available in my prescription...

Martin Bradford