[Compensation for presbyopia using contact lenses].

Contact lens fitting for presbyotic patients needs more than simple fitting shill; patients need additional psychological support. The wearer has to accept optical quality reduction due to the multifocality of the lens design. In general, the technical fitting of presbyotic contact lenses is comparable to monofocal systems. They work with the same rules of performance. The difference lies in the principles of correction by the lens itself. Simple presbyotic systems use uncorrected optical aberration to widen depth perception. These lenses are suitable for young presbyopes, up to a need of 1 diopter plus power for near vision. Uncorrected aspherical designs have a multifocal effect which can be used for presbyotic lenses. There are contact lenses on the market with simultaneous imaging, which is based on concentric rings around the near or distance centre. Another principles are based on segmented reading portions in the lower part of the lens, also called alternating systems. These very few design variations are the basis for the various specific models which are sold on the market today. The results of the fitting can never be foreseen as subjective and psychological aspects of the wearer overlay the objective results. Thus, the fitter needs experience and patient understanding, combined with fundamental knowledge of the specific lens type used.