As we grow older, our eyes lose the ability to focus on objects near us, a condition that is called presbyopia. Fine print becomes difficult to read, eyestrain and headaches become more frequent, and reading glasses become another mandatory item to keep with you at all times. The reason this happens is because the lens in your eye, which changes shape as you shift your eyes from near objects to far objects and vice versa, begins to harden. As it hardens, the muscles in the eye can no longer make the necessary changes to the lens shape to change focus.
If you are a candidate for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, there is a solution to this issue called monovision. During surgery, the lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial one. This artificial lens has a particular power associated with it that provides you with optimal vision at a certain distance. Monovision is when different powered lens are placed in each eye, giving one eye the ability to see near and another eye to see at distance.
With monovision, the eye that sees at distance will have difficulty seeing objects up close while the eye that sees near will have difficult making out objects far away. Fortunately, the brain is extremely capable of adapting to these changes. With both eyes open, you’ll be have comfortable levels of vision at all distances.
Monovision may sound daunting to get used to, but the vast majority of patients don’t even notice that one eye is better for distance and the other is better for near vision when they are both open.
If you think you are a candidate and want to learn more about this solution, feel free to call our office at 310-829-5475 or schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons!
