Can my existing scleral lenses be made multifocal?

Often, yes — the next lens in your design can carry multifocal optics. We trial the change before committing.

Will distance vision suffer?

Good designs keep distance strong; near help is the added layer. Trial lenses tell us your tolerance honestly.

Are multifocal scleral lenses better than monovision?

Different — monovision splits tasks between eyes; multifocal optics share them. Lifestyle and trial results pick the winner.

How do multifocal scleral lenses work?

Like multifocal glasses, which correct near and distance vision with different powers in different parts of the lens, a multifocal scleral lens builds distance and near powers into one lens. Scleral lens designs are FDA-cleared to correct presbyopia along with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Each lens is custom-mapped on the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler, and trial lenses show how the optics work for your eyes before anything is ordered.

Can you wear reading glasses with contacts like scleral lenses?

Yes. Reading glasses can go on over scleral lenses that correct your distance vision, and the reading power you need should come from an eye exam. If you would rather not add readers on top, multifocal optics can be built into the scleral lens itself, so eyes that already need sclerals for keratoconus, severe dry eye or a corneal transplant do not have to give up near vision to wear them.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Scleral Lenses for Presbyopia

Reading vision, built into the most stable lens there is.

Presbyopia — the arm’s-length menu problem — usually means readers or multifocal contacts. What few patients hear: multifocal optics can be designed into a scleral lens, so eyes that already need sclerals (keratoconus, severe dry eye, grafts) don’t have to give up near vision to get them.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

A menu held at a comfortable distance, lamplight

The problem: Near focus fades with age
The option: Multifocal scleral optics
Best for: Eyes that already suit sclerals
Bonus: The fluid reservoir still soothes dryness

How it works

Two jobs, one lens.

The platform: A scleral lens vaults the cornea on a saline reservoir — stable, comfortable, and custom-mapped on the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler.
The optics: Multifocal designs place distance and near power in zones the eye uses naturally; because a scleral barely moves, those zones stay where they were designed to sit.
Who benefits most: Presbyopes with keratoconus, post-surgical corneas or significant dry eye — people whose eyes need the platform anyway, and who would rather not add readers on top.
Honest limits: Multifocal optics are a negotiation between distance and near; our eye doctors in Los Angeles set expectations with trial lenses before anything is ordered.

Candidates

Already in sclerals and tired of readers?

Current scleral wearers hitting reading-glasses age
Keratoconus patients in their 40s and beyond
Severe dry eye plus presbyopia: one lens can address both
Monovision-curious patients who want a trial first

Ask about multifocal sclerals

Common questions

Sclerals for presbyopia, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Often, yes — the next lens in your design can carry multifocal optics. We trial the change before committing.
Good designs keep distance strong; near help is the added layer. Trial lenses tell us your tolerance honestly.
Different — monovision splits tasks between eyes; multifocal optics share them. Lifestyle and trial results pick the winner.
Like multifocal glasses, which correct near and distance vision with different powers in different parts of the lens, a multifocal scleral lens builds distance and near powers into one lens. Scleral lens designs are FDA-cleared to correct presbyopia along with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Each lens is custom-mapped on the Eaglet Eye Surface Profiler, and trial lenses show how the optics work for your eyes before anything is ordered.
Yes. Reading glasses can go on over scleral lenses that correct your distance vision, and the reading power you need should come from an eye exam. If you would rather not add readers on top, multifocal optics can be built into the scleral lens itself, so eyes that already need sclerals for keratoconus, severe dry eye or a corneal transplant do not have to give up near vision to wear them.

Sclerals for presbyopia near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Menus drifting out of reach?

If your eyes already suit sclerals, reading vision may be one lens design away.

Book an evaluation Or call 310-828-2010