Monovision is a visual concept that works well for most, but not all patients, with presbyopia. It works by completely correcting the dominant eye so that it is focused on distant objects, while leaving a small amount of nearsightedness in the non-dominant eye, in order to allow for near vision. The result is that the dominant eye is better focused in the distance and the non-dominant eye is better focused for near. When both eyes are used together, reading and distance vision is comfortably usable. Monovision will enable the patient to see reasonably well for both distance and up close, without the need for glasses for routine activities, such as reading price tags, menus, and cell phones.
Monovision Treatment Options
Monovision LASIK
A permanent LASIK procedure in which one eye is treated for distance vision, and the other one for near vision. Monovision works by completely correcting the dominant eye so that it is focused on distant objects, while leaving a small amount of nearsightedness in the non-dominant eye, in order to allow for near vision.
Monovision Contact Lenses
The effect of these contact lenses is very similar to that of monovision LASIK. Your dominant eye will be fit with a contact lens that helps you focus distant objects while your non-dominant eye will be fit with a lens that will allow you to focus near objects. While wearing the lenses, most patients are comfortable seeing in the distance and up close. However, once you remove the lenses, your vision will return to its normal state.