Bifocal lenses are primarily used to correct the eye defect known as presbyopia. As people age, the lens of the eye naturally loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. This condition is known as presbyopia. A bifocal lens is designed with two different optical powers to accommodate this need. The upper part of the lens is usually crafted for distance vision, while the lower segment is designed for near vision tasks, such as reading.
Astigmatism is a different eye condition caused by irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. This condition is typically corrected with cylindrical lenses rather than bifocals.
Hypermetropia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a condition where distant objects can be seen more clearly than near ones. Simple convex lenses are usually used for this correction.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where nearby objects are seen clearly, while distant objects appear blurry. Concave lenses are generally used to correct this condition.
In summary, bifocal lenses are specifically designed to address the challenges of focusing at different distances simultaneously, making them ideal for managing presbyopia.