Is monovision an option for me after cataract surgery on my second eye?
MAY 22, 2017
Question:
Three years ago, at age 63, I had cataract surgery on my non-dominant right eye, with the intraocular lens set for distance vision, and incisions to address some astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea). I have been nearsighted all my life, in glasses since age 13, and have worn single-vision glasses since the right eye surgery to sharpen my right eye to 20/20 distance. My dominant left eye cataract now needs to be addressed. From what I have read about monovision, the proper set-up is that the dominant eye is set to distance. Since my non-dominant right eye has already been set to distance, is monovision a viable option for me? Also, if I were to go with monovision versus both eyes set to distance, how will my depth perception be affected, especially driving at night?
Answer:
Monovision would not be recommended for your situation for two reasons: Near vision in the dominant eye and distance in the non-dominant eye can be visually confusing and, yes, can affect depth perception. Also, if you have never tried monovision in contact lenses when you were younger, I never recommend monovision, as most do not adapt well to it without previous experience. Nothing is wrong with setting both eyes for distance and wearing some reading glasses. Please discuss your options with your ophthalmologist.