As we get older, our lenses of our eyes become less flexible, making it more difficult for them to focus on up close vision such as reading a menu or newspaper or seeing the screen on a smart phone. This condition is known as presbyopia, and it is a near universal condition after people pass their 45th birthday.
Reading glasses are one option for correcting for presbyopia, but many people get tired of the constant need to put on and take off these glasses throughout the day. Also, when correcting refractive errors with LASIK or PRK, or when placing an intraocular lens for cataract surgery, patients often still need to wear reading glasses for up close work.
Monovision is an option for people who wish to reduce their dependence on reading glasses as they age.
What Is Monovision?
The concept of monovision — regardless of if it is done with contact lenses, refractive surgery, or IOLs for cataract surgery — is to use one eye (typically the patient’s dominant eye) for distance vision, while the other eye is used for near vision. The brain integrated the near and far vision. This offers the patient an extended range of vision without needing to wear corrective lenses.
- Alcon PanOptix
- Tecnis Multifocal
How Does Monovision Work?
Usually, monovision corrects vision in the dominant eye for distance while the other eye is left nearsighted for close vision. The eyes still work in unison, allowing clearer vision at both distances. About 70% of people adapt well to Monovision. .
Many people adapt completely to this vision correction technique with Dr. Sondheimer. The brain gets used to seeing well both near and far. The brain will seemlessly process this vision.
Once the eye’s natural lens has been removed, a new, man-made intraocular lens (IOL) is used to replace it. There are many IOLs that will usually serve patients well for distance vision, but patients must still wear glasses for reading or for good vision at near.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Monovision?
The advantages of monovision are the freedom from reading glasses in cases of presbyopia. It also enables cataract patients to avoid some of the common side effects that can occur with multifocal intraocular lens implants for cataract surgery, such as halos around lights and/or glare at night.
About 30% of people have trouble adjusting to monovision. That’s why Dr. Sondheimer tests his patients carefully for the ability to adapt to monovision with contact lenses first, prior to recommending monovision with LASIK or cataract surgery.
Is Monovision Correction Painful?
Correcting for monovision isn’t any different than the regular procedure, whether that is LASIK or PRK or cataract surgery. These procedures all have very little pain or discomfort afterwards.
What Happens if I Find Monovision Doesn’t Work for Me?
If a patient is interested in monovision, Dr. Sondheimer demonstrates monovision prior to recommending it. With the Light Adjustable Lens Implant, Monovision can be created in the lens implant after it has been implanted in your eye. Rare patinets have not been satisfied with Monovision and have need to have their vision returned to both eyes for distance vision with Light Adjusments, PRK, Lasik, or Lens Implant Replacement.
See What Our Patients Are Saying!
“Dr. Sondheimer is very knowledgeable and approachable. I appreciated that he took the time to answer my questions and concerns. He was never rushed or distracted. My surgery went well and I would recommend Dr. Sondheimer to anyone.”
– Faina R.
“From the moment I met Dr. Sondheimer and his staff at both offices, I felt I was in good hands and cared for. The two Toric Lens Implant surgeries went well and I am seeing better than ever. The gals at the Skokie Office, Kathy, Ana, and Galina were so lovely and helpful. Dr. Sondheimer prepared me each step of the way as to what will occur on the days of surgery. He was very availble if I had any questions or problems. I had a very rewarding experience.”
– Geraldine G.
To read more of our patient testimonials, please click here.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Sondheimer, who has earned a reputation as a leading Chicago AcrySof ReSTOR provider, has helped many patients achieve optimal vision correction results using a range of highly sophisticated lens implants. In addition to Tecnis Multifocal and ReSTOR, Dr. Sondheimer also offers Crystalens, the only FDA-approved accommodating lens implant. He is also a skilled LASIK surgeon and surgeon. Call 847-677-2794 to schedule a consultation with Chicago ophthalmologist Dr. Stuart Sondheimer.
