Monovision: The Bifocal Alternative

Anyone who requires a prescription for near and distance vision (bifocals) is a good candidate for mono vision.

In the early 1980’s, studies were made on adapting contact lenses to solve the needs of bifocal eyeglass wearers. At that time, there were very few doctors in the country working on this technique known as mono vision. Many of our cataract and laser vision correction patients have been pleased with the results of the mono vision alternative.

How does mono vision work?

Mono vision is a system in which one eye is focused for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Since it is your brain (rather than your eyes) that interprets what you see, it selectively learns to focus on the clearer image while suppressing the blurry image.

Comparing this system to television may help your understand how this alternative works. The T.V. camera works like your eyes to record an image, and the television set is like your brain where the image actually appears. Your television set receives all of the channels at once, but you selectively turn the dial to choose the particular channel that you want to watch. Similarly, with mono vision, your brain subconsciously learns to tune in the image that you want to see at any given distance.

Does this mean I will see with just one eye?

No, with mono vision both eyes are constantly being used. The peripheral vision in both eyes is not greatly affected. In fact, it may be enhanced due to the absence of the glasses frame, and both eyes will work together since there is no interruption in the peripheral vision. However, the central vision will be clear in one eye and somewhat blurry in the other when you are focusing at any given distance. The brain learns to suppress or ignore the blurry central vision in the eye that is out of focus.

Will mono vision hurt my eyes?

No. Some people initially have a slight feeling of strain, distortion, or even mild headache. This is not much different from what happens when you get a new pair of glasses, and it goes away in a short time. The mono vision effect does not cause any physical harm to the eyes at all.

How long does it take to adjust to mono vision?

Some people adapt more quickly that others do. While most adapt almost immediately, others take a longer period, from several weeks, to make the adjustments.

Will my vision be as good as if I were wearing glasses?

For some it is better, for some it is slightly more difficult at near and far distances. Mono vision is a compromise, just as much as glasses are a compromise. Mono vision allows you to see both far and near without glasses. The alternative is to correct both eyes for distance and wear reading glasses for near.

Will I still have depth perception with mono vision?

Yes. Studies have shown that mono vision is a viable alternative for bifocals or reading glasses without significant loss of depth perception.

Can I pass the driver’s license test with mono vision?

Yes. In most states, the visual requirements for driver’s license fall well into the visual standards we set for mono vision patients. However, some patients prefer wearing driving glasses to achieve “extra crisp” distance vision at sunset or on rainy nights.

We encourage you to consider and take advantage of the mono vision technique to eliminate or minimize your need for reading glasses or bifocals. Mono vision has allowed many of our patients to see successfully both near and far without glasses.

Confused? Our simple Proceedure Chart will help. You can always give us a call as well! (757) 481–5555.