Treating Presbyopia with the Monovision Contact Lenses sytem; one eye is given a distance prescription and the other is given a near vision prescription

For many, with middle age comes reading glasses-it's practically inevitable. That's because our eyesight changes as we age. A common condition affecting those ages 40 and older is called presbyopia. A common treatment for this condition? Monovision. What Is Presbyopia? Presbyopia is the result of a gradual loss of flexibility in the eye's lens. The result is blurred vision when the eyes are needed to focus on objects that are near, like text in a book. Without proper treatment, this blurred vision can lead to headaches or eyestrain, even fatigue and general discomfort. Some people react to presbyopia by moving the near object away from the eyes-at arm's length. And, while this may work as a temporary fix to improve the eyes' focus, it's hardly convenient. For those with presbyopia, there are several good treatment options available, including:

• Eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses.
• Reading glasses for nearsighted vision.
• Multifocal contact lenses.
• Monovision.

What is Monovision? This is a type of lens correction for presbyopia. 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.

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 via contact lenses. You'll have a better idea of how monovision will ultimately 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.

And, while many people are very pleased with the results of monovision, some experience dizziness or nausea as a result.

For those who are unhappy with the results of monovision, there are other options. One option to correct monovision is surgery to fully correct the undercorrected eye, giving the eyes simultaneous focus.

Learn More About Monovision

For more information about monovision or eye health in general, talk with your healthcare provider.

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