What Is Monovision?
Monovision is a vision correction technique designed to help people with presbyopia (age-related reading vision loss) reduce their dependence on reading glasses or bifocals. Instead of correcting both eyes for the same distance, monovision customizes your vision:
This allows you to switch focus naturally between distances for most daily activities without needing glasses.
How Monovision Works: Your Brain Adapts
The “magic” of monovision happens in your brain. Through a process called neuroadaptation, your brain learns to automatically select the clearer image from each eye and blend them together, creating a single, clear picture. It also learns to suppress any minor blur from the out-of-focus eye. For most people, this adaptation happens so seamlessly that they are not consciously aware of which eye they are using to see.
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The First Step: A Monovision Contact Lens Trial
The best way to determine if monovision is right for you is to “test drive” it. We accomplish this with a non-surgical contact lens trial.
- Comprehensive Exam: First, we perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your precise distance and near prescriptions.
- Contact Lens Fitting: We then fit you with two different contact lenses — one for distance in your dominant eye, and one for near in your other eye.
- Adaptation Period: You will wear these lenses for a period of time to experience monovision in your real-world environment — at work, while driving, and reading.
This trial is the most critical step. If you adapt well and love the freedom of monovision, you can continue with contact lenses or consider the permanent surgical solution.
The Permanent Solution: Monovision LASIK
If you successfully complete a monovision contact lens trial and are a good LASIK candidate, you can make the results permanent with Monovision LASIK.The procedure is identical to our advanced, all-laser custom LASIK. The only difference is the corrective target programmed into the laser for each eye. We use our state-of-the-art iDESIGN® and VISX Star S4™ laser system to precisely reshape each cornea — one for distance, one for near — giving you a lasting alternative to reading glasses.
Am I a Good Candidate for Monovision?
You may be an excellent candidate for monovision if you:
Pros & Cons of Monovision
This table highlights key differences and similarities across common considerations:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Significant reduction in need for reading glasses. |
May cause a slight decrease in depth perception. |
|
More convenient than bifocals for many activities. |
May cause initial night glare/halos while adapting. |
|
A cost-effective alternative to multifocal lenses. |
Not suitable for everyone, especially those in professions requiring very precise vision (e.g., pilots, surgeons). |
|
Can be trialed non-surgically with contact lenses. |
Adaptation period is required for the brain to adjust. |
Why Choose Berkeley Eye Center for Monovision?
A successful monovision outcome, whether with contacts or LASIK, requires a high level of technical skill and experience. Our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists are experts in determining the precise prescriptions needed, assessing dominance, and guiding patients through the adaptation process to ensure the best possible results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monovision
How long does it take to get used to monovision?
The neuroadaptation period varies from person to person. Some patients feel comfortable within a few days, while for others it may take a few weeks. This is why the contact lens trial is so important.
Will monovision affect my driving, especially at night?
While your brain adapts, some patients notice halos or glare around lights when driving at night. This typically improves over time. For tasks that require critical vision, like long-distance night driving, some patients prefer to wear a pair of supplemental glasses to correct the near eye for distance.
What if I have Monovision LASIK and don’t like it?
While it is very rare for a patient who successfully completed a contact lens trial to be unhappy with Monovision LASIK, the procedure can be reversed or enhanced. The near-vision eye can be corrected for distance, and you would simply return to using reading glasses.
For my presbyopia, should I choose Monovision LASIK or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
This is an excellent question that depends on your age, prescription, and the health of your natural lens. Monovision LASIK is a great option for patients in their 40s and early 50s. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is often a better long-term solution for patients in their late 50s and beyond, as it also prevents cataracts. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you during your consultation.
Ready to “Test Drive” a Life with Fewer Readers?
The first step is a comprehensive evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for a monovision contact lens trial. Schedule your appointment at Berkeley Eye Center today.