If you live in Glendale Heights and notice you need to squint or stretch your arm to read your phone or menus, you are not alone. Age-related blurry near vision, known as presbyopia, creeps up after 40 and leaves many frustrated at work, home, and even behind the wheel. The good news for our neighbors across Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Bloomingdale: at iDoctor, we specialize in fitting contact lenses with the right ADD power to restore comfortable vision. As your local boutique optical, our approach makes the science simple and appointments convenient, whether you are a longtime lens wearer or considering switching from readers. If you want to start your journey to seamless vision, your first step should be learning how contact lens ADD powers work—let’s dive in.

Contact lenses in Glendale Heights are just the beginning of our care, and our team is ready to help you understand every part of your prescription and comfort.

What Is Contact Lens ADD Power? (And Why Does It Matter?)

ADD power, written as “ADD” on your prescription, is the amount of magnification needed for you to see clearly up close—and is only relevant for people with presbyopia. If you have trouble reading, yet your distance vision is fine, your optometrist will recommend multifocal or bifocal contacts with ADD to give both ranges the clarity you deserve. The number is measured in diopters (D), typically in steps like +1.00, +1.50, or +2.50.

• Low ADD: For early, mild symptoms. Helps those needing just a “nudge” for close-up tasks.
• Medium ADD: Balances distance and near. Great for regular computer, reading, and daily routine.
• High ADD: For significant close-up blur. Maximizes near vision—especially for advanced presbyopia.

Unlike progressive glasses, contact lens ADD ranges are less about exact numbers and more about which category will give you the best overall focus, both up close and far away. During your contact lens exam at iDoctor, your optometrist tests several ADD options using digital phoropters and live trial lenses, as the results can be influenced by your unique eye health, lifestyle, and comfort needs.

Understanding Low, Medium, and High ADD Powers

• Low ADD (+0.50 to +1.25): For those noticing a mild struggle with small print—for example, needing to move your phone just a bit further away. Often the choice for patients in their early 40s or those who want just enough help for near tasks without affecting crispness at distance. DAILIES, Acuvue, and MyDay typically have this as the entry-level add.
• Medium ADD (+1.50 to +2.00): Provides a healthy boost for reading, working on a laptop, and moderate multitasking. Most common for patients in their mid-late 40s or early 50s. We fit this range often for active parents and professionals juggling screens and paperwork. Many multifocal designs offer a “medium” setting that keeps both ranges balanced.
• High ADD (+2.25 to +3.00 or higher): For people who can’t get by without strong magnification, such as intricate sewing, detailed reading, or who find that both eyes need a big near-vision boost. If you are over 55, or if reading glasses alone no longer cut it, this may be your fit. Some brands provide only ‘low’ and ‘high’ add options for a more streamlined fit.

Our technology at iDoctor, such as exact digital corneal mapping and Optikam custom measurements, helps us get the ADD setting dialed in for your clearest, most comfortable vision.

Why Choose iDoctor for Contact Lens ADD Powers in Glendale Heights?

Fitting multifocal and toric contacts is highly nuanced—and our team in Glendale Heights goes deep with every patient. Our patients value:

• Advanced Measurements: We use digital phoropters, the iCare tonometer for gentle eye pressure checks, and ultra-widefield retinal imaging, so no issue is missed.
• Contact Lens Options for Every Lifestyle: We fit daily, biweekly, and monthly lenses, including trusted brands such as Acuvue, Biofinity, DAILIES, Air Optix, Clariti, and MyDay. Multifocal and astigmatism-friendly options ensure you don’t compromise on comfort or clarity.
• Insurance and Value: We accept all major insurance plans (VSP, Eyemed, Cigna Vision, Humana, Superior Vision, Davis Vision, NVA, Spectera, UnitedHealthcare Vision) and offer competitive value packages for those without coverage.
• Immediate Access: Same or next-day appointments are available, so you won’t wait weeks to get started.
• Local Convenience: We are located near Army Trail and Bloomingdale Roads—easy for residents of Glen Ellyn, Addison, Carol Stream, or Wheaton with plenty of parking.
• Boutique Optical Service: Lifetime lens adjustments, patient education, and a team experienced in custom solutions for hard-to-fit or first-time wearers.

“Dr. Sayed helped explain my ADD power so clearly and fitted me with the perfect multifocals. I no longer dread reading menus or looking at my screen all day.”
– iDoctor patient

Our patients trust their care to Dr. Saher Sayed’s expertise (Illinois College of Optometry-trained, known for a thorough approach) and our entire optical team’s ability to adjust, educate, and support you for every step. You can check out patient stories and tips in our Glendale Heights multifocal comfort blog for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lens ADD Powers

How to Book a Contact Lens Add Power Consultation at iDoctor

1. Call or schedule online: Dial (630) 454-6899 or book your appointment for the best available slot. Bring your current glasses and insurance info if you have it.
2. Visit for your detailed fitting: Our optometrist will check your eye health, test your near and distance vision, and walk you through ADD settings (low, medium, or high) using live samples.
3. Trial your lenses: You will leave with trial contacts and full training on care and insertion. Return for any adjustments, free of charge.
4. Order your ideal supply: Once we confirm comfort and clarity in your real-world life, we help you order your lenses, with rapid delivery or in-office pickup.

Ready to enjoy seamless focus at every distance and find out which ADD power works for you? Visit our boutique optical in Glendale Heights for expert, patient-first care from the team at iDoctor. If you are newer to multifocal contacts or want to learn about keeping your lenses comfortable, see our guide on cleaning contacts in winter. Clear, comfortable vision is always within reach here in Glendale Heights!