Monovision is a term that implies seeing with just one eye. However, this isn’t actually the case. It really refers to a method of treatment for an age-related condition, presbyopia. People who suffer from this condition have trouble focusing on close-up objects. By fitting these people with a contact lens in one eye for close up vision and one in the other eye for distance vision, they may be able to function without needing reading glasses. If you’re wondering, “Is monovision safe?” it is!
With monovision, your weaker eye is fitted with a contact lens that will help you see objects close up. This eye will be better equipped for reading and other close work. However, distant objects will appear blurrier through the eye.
When one eye can focus on items close up and the other can focus better on distant items, people tend to rely less on reading glasses. Monovision treatment can be customized to the individual according to their profession or daily activities.
Why Should You Use Monovision?
If you already wear glasses or contact lenses for an eye condition, you may require a different set of glasses for reading or to focus on objects close up.
Many people don’t want to carry several sets of glasses to switch between. Monovision can help reduce the need for reading glasses while still helping you see objects far away.
Related: Top 3 Reasons to Get Monovision
There Are Different Types of Monovision
- Computer Monovision – This variety uses less magnification in the eye that you use to see items close up. Patients who use this variation can still see things a mid-distance away such as a computer screen. But you may still need reading glasses. Objects that are at a distance are usually in sharper focus since the eye used for the close-up work usually has lower power magnification. This type of monovision is best for people who don’t read a lot of work on a computer daily.
- Modified Monovision – This kind of monovision sees patients wearing one contact lens that is bifocal. This lens is worn in the weaker eye and used to see close up. The other eye usually has a single-vision contact that will correct whatever condition affects the eye.
- Surgical Monovision – Monovision effects can also be achieved with LASIK surgery. Instead of contact lenses, the surgery adjusts one eye for focusing on distant objects and one for focusing close-up.
Is Monovision Safe – The Downsides
The adjustment period for monovision takes about a week or two. Most people have great results and can rely less on reading glasses. But, monovision can sacrifice a degree of depth perception and clarity.
For some people, great depth perception is very important to their profession or daily lives. If their depth perception is going to be compromised, monovision may not be for them.
One other drawback is the cost. While contacts are fairly inexpensive, the actual fitting can be costly. Monovision fittings often take several appointments. The process of adjusting the contacts and wearing them for a couple of days before returning for an evaluation may need to be repeated. The cost can end up being twice that of a regular contact lens fitting.
If you’d like to learn more, contact LASIK of Nevada.