Multifocal Lenses: Meaning and How it Works

If you are wondering why your eyes hurt when you wake up, it may be due to common eye conditions such as pink eye, dry eye and allergies. Waking up with eye pain can also be caused by an eye injury, angle-closure glaucoma, eye strain, recurrent epithelial erosion and eyelid inflammation. These conditions can range from mild to severe depending on the initial cause, so it is important to seek a professional examination from an optometrist if you experience any pain, irritation or changes to your vision after waking up. At Raie Eyewear, our qualified and knowledgeable optometrists can help diagnose a range of eye problems, including eye pain in the morning or upon waking.

How Common Is It For Eyes to Hurt When Waking Up?

Eye pain or your eyes hurting can be common due to eye problems such as pink eye, dry eyes and eye strain, which are all common and can occur suddenly. Eye pain upon waking can be normal, as the lacrimal gland does not produce as many tears when you are sleeping. The lacrimal gland secretes fluids that lubricate, clean and protect the eyes. Tears help to retain the eye's moisture, so with fewer tears, you may experience pain in your eyes when waking up.

Causes of Eye Pain When Waking Up

1. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): An infection or inflammation that can cause pain, redness and tearing around the eye. You may first notice it when you wake up as fewer tears are produced during sleep, exacerbating symptoms.
2. Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production and poor tear quality can lead to eye pain, stinging, itchiness, a gritty sensation, redness and light sensitivity, especially upon waking when the eyes have been without moisture.
3. Eye Allergies: Allergic responses to pollen, animal dander, etc. can trigger eye pain along with eyelid swelling, redness and tearing, commonly felt in the morning.
4. Eye Injury: Injuries from blunt force, burns, irritation, corneal abrasion or foreign objects can induce mild to severe pain depending on the nature of the trauma. Seek medical attention for any eye injuries.
5. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A buildup of pressure in the eye due to blocked fluid can cause sudden, severe pain in one eye, headache, nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency requiring urgent care.
6. Eye Strain: Overexertion of eye muscles from prolonged focus on tasks like computer use can lead to pain, tired, itchy or sore eyes felt upon waking.
7. Recurrent Epithelial Erosion: This syndrome causes sharp pain and blurred vision when waking as corneal epithelial cells stick to the inside of the eyelid when the eye surface dries out. It warrants urgent medical care.
8. Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis): Inflammation of the eyelids due to bacteria, dandruff or abnormal oil production can cause pain, burning, itching, tearing, discharge, redness and swelling.

Is Age a Factor in Morning Eye Pain?

Yes, age can increase the likelihood of developing eye conditions that induce pain, as the body's ability to generate sufficient, quality tears declines with age. Dry eyes are a common cause of morning eye pain in older patients.

Can Sleeping Position Cause Eye Pain?

No, incorrect sleeping position is not a likely direct cause of eye pain upon waking, as this is typically a symptom of an underlying eye problem or injury. However, poor sleep posture can lead to pain in the back, shoulders and neck.

Treatments for Eye Pain When Waking Up

1. Artificial Tears: Increases eye moisture to alleviate pain from dry eyes. May take a few weeks to a month of use for effective treatment.
2. Antibiotics: Treats eye infections causing pain and inflammation. Available as tablets or drops, with symptoms improving 3-4 days after starting treatment.
3. Antihistamines: Relieves allergies that may cause eye pain and swelling. Taken as tablets or drops, usually taking effect within 30 minutes.
4. Warm Compress: Improves blood flow to alleviate pain, regulates oil production and prevents blockages that cause dry eyes.

Preventing Morning Eye Pain

• Maintain eye moisture by using artificial tears before bed to prevent overnight dryness.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands and avoiding touching/rubbing eyes to reduce infection risk.
• Take allergy medication regularly to prevent swelling and pain.
• Have regular eye tests for early detection and treatment of conditions that may trigger pain.

Eye drops can help prevent morning eye pain by addressing underlying conditions like dry eye, allergies, pink eye and eyelid inflammation.

Sleeping early may reduce eye pain by limiting extended eye strain from late night device use, a risk factor for fatigue and strain.

When to See a Doctor

Call a doctor for morning eye pain if the pain feels severe or unusual and is accompanied by fever, headache, vision changes, nausea or vomiting. Concerning eye pain occurs alongside other symptoms or persists.

At Raie Eyewear, we are here to help with any concerns about your eye health and comfort. Book an appointment with one of our skilled optometrists for a comprehensive eye exam and personalized treatment plan.

Here is the blog post rewritten for Raie Eyewear:

What is a Multifocal Lens?

Multifocal lenses are defined as lenses designed to provide clear vision for near, intermediate and distance vision issues. If you're not familiar with different lens types, they refer to multiple prescriptions and are also known as progressive lenses. Multifocal lenses can make it more convenient to view through different distances without the need to use more than one pair of glasses.

Are Multifocal Lenses the Same as Progressive Lenses?

Yes, multifocal lenses are the same as progressive lenses. Progressive lenses can describe the gradual transition in prescription strength within the lenses as opposed to a visible line separating the prescriptions. At Raie Eyewear, we offer multifocal standard, multifocal premium and the most popular choice, multifocal elite. You may select any of these options for an additional cost on top of your standard optical glasses choice.

How do Multifocal Lenses Work?

Multifocal lenses work by allowing you to see at three different distances all within one lens, combining prescriptions for near, intermediate and distance vision. The bottom portion of multifocal lenses is intended for near vision, the middle portion helps with intermediate vision and the top portion improves distance vision.

Types of Multifocal Lenses

The different types of multifocal lenses are:

1. Trifocal Lenses: Lenses made with three different prescription strengths, separated by visible lines. They come in flat-top (with near and intermediate vision portions in a D shape for improved peripheral vision) and executive styles (with prescriptions stretched fully across each lens). Trifocals differ from multifocals due to their visible lines and layout shape. Raie Eyewear does not offer trifocal lenses.
2. Bifocal Lenses: Lenses intended to improve near and distance vision in one lens. They have a near vision portion and a distance vision portion, and can come in half-moon, round segment, ribbon segment and executive styles. Bifocals differ from multifocals as they have clear visible lines and only two prescription strengths.

How are Multifocal Lenses Made?

Multifocal lenses are made following the typical eyeglasses production process, which may involve designing the lens, selecting the right lens material (usually glass or plastic based on the patient's prescription), manufacturing the lens, and checking the quality of the glasses.

Who are Multifocal Lenses Made For?

Multifocal lenses are typically made for those who have difficulties with distance, intermediate and near vision. They may be especially helpful when you require a certain prescription for reading and a different one for driving.

Are Multifocal Lenses for Older People Only?

No, multifocal lenses are not only for older people. While older individuals typically use them due to age-related vision issues like presbyopia, people of any age who already use prescription glasses and struggle with both near and distance vision may choose multifocals.

Can People With Farsightedness Wear Multifocal Glasses?

Yes and no. People with farsightedness (hyperopia) can wear multifocal glasses if they also experience difficulty with distance and near vision. However, those who only have farsightedness may not require multifocals as they are designed to correct vision for multiple distances.

Are Glasses For Astigmatism Multifocal?

No, glasses for astigmatism are not exclusively multifocal; they can also be single vision. The most suitable lenses for astigmatism may be cylindrical to help with proper light refraction. Cylindrical lenses assist with correcting astigmatism by compensating for uneven corneal curves. However, individuals with astigmatism may find multifocals beneficial if they also have another condition like presbyopia.

Who Should Not Wear Multifocal Lenses?

Those who only have one vision condition like farsightedness should not wear multifocals as single-lens prescription glasses are effective for correcting most individual problems. Patients with eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration may not benefit from multifocals if the glasses do not improve their vision, and will likely have a different treatment plan prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

How Do I Know if My Prescription Requires Multifocal Lenses?

You may know if your prescription requires multifocals if the ADD section has numbers in it. The ADD column indicates whether you need multifocals or reading glasses by showing how much additional power is needed for reading. An optometrist or optical dispenser will also advise if you require multifocals.

How Long Do Multifocal Lenses Last?

Multifocal lenses typically last up to two years like most standard prescription glasses. Updating your prescription every 2 years is recommended, depending on your condition or optometrist's advice. Regular eye tests are important for early detection of problems and maintaining ocular health.

Caring for Multifocal Lenses

To take care of multifocal lenses:

• Practice proper storage and handling by keeping them in their case when not in use to prevent damage
• Use both hands when putting them on or taking them off to avoid loosening the arms and maintain alignment
• Clean them regularly with the provided microfibre cloth and an official lens cleaner

Advantages of Multifocal Lenses

1. One Pair of Glasses: Convenient for those who need more than one pair for reading and driving, as they only need to rely on a single pair without constantly switching.
2. Optimal Vision: Helps provide optimal vision at each distance for user comfort and confidence during activities requiring different ranges.
3. No Image Jump: Seamless transitions between prescription strengths prevent "image jumps" that occur with bifocals or trifocals when moving eyes to different objects.
4. No Visible Lines: Lack of visible lines separating prescription strengths makes them more cosmetically appealing compared to trifocals.

Disadvantages of Multifocal Lenses

1. Adjustment Period: Learning to properly use them for different tasks may take time, requiring head movement in addition to eye movement when looking at different sections.
2. Headaches: Initial use may cause headaches due to potential eye strain, but this should alleviate after adjustment. Taking breaks can help if headaches occur.
3. Distorted Vision: Looking to the sides may cause distortion due to multiple prescriptions in one lens. Peripheral distortion amount varies by multifocal level, with elite options at Raie Eyewear having less compared to standard and premium.
4. Higher Price: Expertise and technology required to make multifocals with three prescriptions can result in higher prices than standard single vision lenses.

Cost of Multifocal Lenses

The cost of multifocal lens glasses can vary by retailer. At Raie Eyewear, our most popular elite multifocal lenses are an additional $235 for one pair on top of the standard optical glasses selection.

Price factors for multifocals can potentially depend on manufacturing methods, prescription strength levels for each lens portion, and frame type. Prices may differ between optometrists and eyewear companies based on production processes and individual visual requirements. While certain frames are more optimal for multifocal lenses, they can be cut to fit small to large sizes, so frame choice can significantly influence price.

Multifocal Glasses vs. Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses may be more expensive than multifocal glasses in the long term, as contacts typically need more frequent replacement. The cost of multifocal lenses largely depends on brand and quantity per pack.

Multifocal vs. Monofocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses may be better for those requiring multiple prescription strengths, while monofocal lenses with a single prescription may suffice for individuals with only one vision condition needing correction.

At Raie Eyewear, our knowledgeable optometrists can help determine if multifocal lenses are right for you based on a comprehensive eye exam. Book an appointment to discuss your options and find the perfect solution for your vision needs.