As we reach our 40s and beyond, most of us develop presbyopia — the age-related difficulty focusing up close. For people who also have an irregular cornea, dry eye, or a history of eye surgery, the usual fixes (readers, bifocals, multifocal soft lenses) may not work well. Multifocal scleral lenses can correct near and distance vision in a single, comfortable lens.
What presbyopia is
Presbyopia happens as the eye's natural lens stiffens with age, making it harder to focus on close objects. It's why menus, phones, and fine print start to blur in midlife — even for people who never needed glasses before.
Why standard multifocals may fall short
Multifocal soft or standard lenses work fine for many people. But if your cornea is irregular (from keratoconus, scarring, or surgery), those lenses can't deliver clear vision, and if you have significant dry eye, they may be uncomfortable. You end up choosing between clarity and comfort — or juggling multiple pairs of glasses.
How multifocal scleral lenses solve both problems
A multifocal scleral lens combines two benefits in one:
- A smooth optical surface that neutralizes corneal irregularity for sharp vision
- Multiple focal zones built into the lens so you can see far and near without readers
- All-day hydration from the fluid reservoir, ideal for dry-eye patients
For the right patient, that means clear distance vision, comfortable reading, and relief from dryness — all at once.
Is it right for you?
Multifocal sclerals are especially valuable if you're over 40 and have keratoconus, a post-surgical cornea, or chronic dry eye alongside your reading struggles. There's an adaptation period as your eyes learn to use the different focal zones, and not every eye is a candidate — an evaluation tells us for sure.
A tailored solution
Designing a multifocal scleral lens is a precise process, balancing your prescription, your near needs, and your corneal shape. Dr. Salley customizes the design to your daily life — whether that's screens, reading, driving, or all three.
Tired of switching between glasses just to see? Ask about multifocal scleral lenses at CFE Memphis.