What the heck is monovision?

You may have heard the term monovision in your LASIK research. Monovision is a type of correction made in patients who need glasses for distance and, because of aging eyes, also need glasses for up close vision. Instead of correcting both eyes for distance vision, one eye is corrected to see far and the other is left slightly uncorrected in order to see up close. Sounds like a headache? Actually, its not. Once your brain adjusts to it, you can't tell that only one eye is getting you the clear picture. Both eyes seems to be giving you both distance and near vision.

LASIK monovision is a viable and increasingly accepted method for correcting presbyopic (near vision lost due to aging) and pre-presbyopic refractive surgery candidates, according to results from a recent study. In addition, crossed monovision, in which the dominant eye is corrected for near vision, may be applied successfully in suitable candidates.

“Although the overall success of monovision was good, patient selection is extremely important, as not every patient can adapt to monovision,” the study authors said. “Patients selecting monovision should also be aware that the reliance on one eye for distance vision makes an enhancement procedure more likely than if bilateral distance vision is chosen.”

Roger F. Steinert, MD, and colleagues retrospectively analyzed the preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of 284 patients 45 years or older who elected to undergo LASIK to correct myopia or hyperopia. Subsequently, refractive success, functional success and patient enhancement rates were evaluated for patients treated with monovision correction. Of 284 total LASIK patients, 188 (67%) elected to undergo monovision correction and 96 (34%) chose bilateral distance correction.

Dr Drucker recommends Monovision if one can get adjusted. The only way to determine this before lasik is a trial with lenses prior to LASIK. Many of our patients elect to have monovision knowing that if they are not happy with it and do not accomodate they can have a retreat that will correct both eyes to see distance and then reading glasses can be used for near. People with certain personalities, occupations and lifestyles are better candidates than others. If you see ads for “getting rid of reading glasses”, monovision is what it’s all about. Dr. Drucker has monovision himself! (Dr. Drucker has one eye corrected for distance and the other for intermediate or computer distance. He wears his glasses for very close vision.)