Monovision and “one eye near, one eye far”
Monovision uses lens power targeting to give you functional near in one eye and distance in the other. It avoids multifocal optics, but it asks your brain to combine two different images. Some people adapt easily; others dislike it intensely.
Why some people love it
- Less reliance on reading glasses for many day‑to‑day tasks.
- No light‑splitting optics (often less halo risk than multifocals).
- Can be tuned: full monovision vs mini‑monovision (smaller difference between eyes).
Why some people hate it
- Feels unbalanced or “wrong,” especially for people sensitive to mismatched focus.
- May reduce depth perception and crispness when both eyes are open.
- Can cause eye strain or headaches during adaptation.
How to test monovision before committing
Testing is about replicating binocular conditions (both eyes open) in your normal life—work, walking, driving, and reading.
Option A: Contact lens simulation
- Best “try‑before‑you‑buy” method if you can wear contacts.
- You can test different amounts of monovision (e.g., small difference vs larger difference).
- Do it for several days, including your hardest tasks and low‑light situations.
Option B: Staged targeting between surgeries
- Sometimes used when surgery is done weeks apart.
- Limit: the first eye alone is not the same as both eyes together.
- Works best when you already know you tolerate monovision (past contacts) or you keep the difference small (mini‑monovision).
If you tried a “reading” target and disliked it: that experience is meaningful. Many people who value crisp binocular vision
prefer distance monofocals plus reading glasses. Your surgeon can still tailor intermediate needs with a modest target or spectacle plan.
Mini‑monovision: a common compromise
Mini‑monovision uses a smaller difference between eyes. The goal is to keep binocular comfort while improving near function a bit. It may not eliminate reading glasses for fine print, but can reduce how often you need them.
- Often better tolerated than full monovision.
- Still needs expectation management: you might trade some sharpness at distance or near.
- Discuss whether your daily tasks are “near‑heavy” or “distance‑heavy”.
Who should be cautious
- People with strong night driving needs.
- Those who need precise depth perception (certain sports/occupations).
- Anyone with eye conditions that already reduce vision in one eye.
- People who previously disliked monovision contacts or anisometropia.