“Multifocal rigid gas permeable contact lenses don’t exist.”
A Case That Debunks a Myth – and Makes Visual Potential Visible
A technically rather unspectacular fitting case that nevertheless clearly demonstrates what happens when contact lenses are not treated as an exception, but as a natural option.
By Nancy Horn, Center for Optometry Magdeburg
“Multifocal rigid gas permeable contact lenses don’t exist.” – That is what a now 60‑year‑old patient was told five years ago by her former optician. Through the digital visibility of the Center for Optometry Magdeburg, she eventually became aware of Nancy Horn and her team – and of a solution that had previously been denied to her.
The Initial Situation
For a long period of time, the patient was clearly undercorrected (with a new pair of glasses). Although she felt that her vision was not right, she accepted the correction, trusting the previous statement that everything was “fine.”
- Age: 60 years, professionally active
- Refraction: myopia approx. –5.50 D
- Visual demands: high, stable vision required for daily life
- Contact lens experience: many years of rigid lenses, very well tolerated
- Tear film: unremarkable to slightly reduced
- Expectations: realistic
“They do exist.” – The Fitting
As part of a holistic consultation, contact lenses were naturally addressed. Nancy Horn clearly classified the situation: Multifocal rigid contact lenses are not a special solution – they may be somewhat more challenging to fit, but they offer the wearer a high potential for quality of life. For us, this type of fitting is routine care in our institute.
Implementation
- Bilateral fitting with i‑Map AS Multi CD VP
- Material: Optimum Comfort
- Power: –5.125 D Add +2.50
- nearly perfect first lens
- only a minor adjustment on the left side required for central positioning
- Visual acuity: distance 1.0 | near 1.0
- no relevant adaptation phase – despite several years without lens wear
