Are 40 years old or above, and beginning to notice that you need your reading glasses more and more these days, from reading the paper, to ordering at restaraunts, and beyond? You're not alone! Fortunately contact lens technology has come a long way, and many people can wear contacts comfortably after 40, even with presbyopia and astigmatism.
Below, our Scottsdale eye care team at Eyecare Plus Scottsdale discusses vision changes you can expect around this age, and what your options are to help you continue to see more clearly and comfortably than ever before.
Why vision changes after 40
For many adults, the early-to-mid 40s bring an unexpected shift, your near vision starts to feel less reliable. You may notice you need brighter light to read, your eyes tire faster on screens, or you hold text farther away. This is usually presbyopia, a normal age-related change that affects the eye’s ability to focus up close.
At the same time, comfort factors can change, too. Dryness can become more noticeable (especially in Arizona), and mild astigmatism may feel more disruptive than it did in your 20s and 30s. The right contact lens choice should match both your prescription and your everyday routine.
Local note: If you have ever tried to read a menu in Old Town Scottsdale at night and thought, “Wow, my eyes are not cooperating,” you are describing presbyopia in real life.
Can you wear contact lenses after 40?
In most cases, yes. The key is choosing a lens design that supports your distance and near vision needs while staying comfortable on your eyes throughout the day. That is why the best starting point is a Scottsdale eye exam and a contact lens evaluation, not a quick online reorder based on an old prescription.
A contact lens fitting typically includes additional measurements beyond a standard exam, like assessing the lens fit on your eye, checking tear film quality, and fine-tuning your lens type to your visual demands. This is especially important after 40, when small differences in lens design can make a big difference in comfort and clarity.
Contact lens options for presbyopia
1) Multifocal contact lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are designed with multiple focusing zones so you can see at distance, intermediate, and near. Many people like multifocals because they reduce the need to swap between contacts and readers, and they support everyday tasks like driving, computer work, and checking your phone.
- Good fit for: adults who want one pair of contacts for most situations
- What to know: there can be a short adjustment period, and it may take a couple of trials to dial in the best design
If you spend time shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, walking the Waterfront canal, or bouncing between meetings, multifocals can be a practical option because they are built for the kind of “near then far then near again” vision your day requires.
2) Toric multifocals for astigmatism
If you have astigmatism, your vision can feel blurry or shadowed in standard lenses. In many cases, a toric lens is used because it is designed to stay aligned on the eye. When presbyopia is added to the mix, a toric multifocal may be the best solution, combining astigmatism correction and near support.
- Good fit for: adults who need astigmatism correction and want less dependence on reading glasses
3) Monovision (and modified monovision)
Monovision uses one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Some people adapt quickly and love it, while others prefer multifocals because they want both eyes working together across more distances.
- Good fit for: people who want a simple approach and adapt well during trials
4) Contacts for distance plus readers for near
Another common approach is wearing contacts for clear distance vision, then using lightweight reading glasses when needed. This can be a great fit if you do not mind carrying readers and want crisp distance vision, especially for driving.
What makes the “best contact lenses for over 40” different?
The best contact lenses for over 40 are not a single brand or a one-size-fits-all solution. They are the lenses that match:
- Your prescription and your near vision needs
- Your astigmatism level (if applicable)
- Your tear film and comfort needs
- Your daily visual demands, including screens, driving, and outdoor activities
If you are outdoors often, for example, hiking near Camelback Mountain or spending weekends at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park with family, comfort and stable vision in bright light can matter just as much as near vision.
What to expect at a contact lens exam and fitting
A contact lens fitting typically includes extra steps to help you see clearly and stay comfortable, especially during presbyopia years. Your eye doctor may:
- Measure the shape of your cornea to support an accurate fit
- Evaluate your tear film and discuss dryness symptoms
- Recommend lens materials and replacement schedules that fit your comfort needs
- Use trial lenses and follow-up visits to refine the prescription and lens design
This process is why a Scottsdale eye exam and contact lens evaluation are so valuable. A small change in lens design, fit, or wearing schedule can dramatically improve comfort, clarity, and long-term eye health.
Tips for comfortable contact lens wear after 40
- Share your routine: computer time, commute, hobbies, and typical reading needs all matter.
- Expect fine-tuning: multifocal contact lenses sometimes take a couple of attempts to perfect.
- Do not ignore dryness: dryness can impact comfort and vision quality, and it is treatable.
- Follow lens care instructions: healthy habits keep your eyes comfortable and reduce irritation.
- Keep your follow-up appointments: small adjustments often make the biggest difference.
Ready to explore contact lenses after 40?
If you are interested in multifocal contact lenses, need astigmatism correction, or want to find the best contact lenses for over 40 based on your eyes and lifestyle, schedule a Scottsdale eye exam and contact lens fitting with Eyecare Plus Scottsdale.