Do you have presbyopia? Then you need an explanation of monovision

Monovision is a type of lens correction for the eye condition presbyopia. Presbyopia is common and affects most people as they age. Many people first begin to notice presbyopia in their 40s, experiencing symptoms that include the decreased ability to focus on near objects, eyestrain and headaches. One of the most obvious symptoms of presbyopia is having to hold reading material at arm's length in order to read it. In monovision, one eye is given a distance prescription and the other is given a near vision prescription. Over time, usually within six to eight weeks, the brain learns to favor one eye or the other for different tasks, depending on the vision range needed. Monovision can be achieved with contact lenses, refractive surgery or intraocular lenses. A more detailed explanation of monovision follows.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Monovision

With monovision, reading glasses are not necessary. The eye given the near vision prescription will do the work. If you're considering refractive surgery as a permanent form of monovision, consider first trying monovision using contact lenses. You'll have a better idea of how monovision will affect you.

Monovision may result in some degree of decreased depth perception unless corrective lenses are used. Some people with monovision choose to wear corrective lenses when simultaneous focus is needed, such as when driving at night.

Some experience dizziness or nausea as a result of monovision. For those who are unhappy with the results, there are other options. One option to correct monovision is surgery to fully correct the undercorrected eye, giving the eyes simultaneous focus.

For more information about monovision or products used in monovision, see our product menu at right.

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