The need for reading glasses is almost universal for people as they near 40 to 45 years of age. As we mature, the natural lens in our eye loses its flexibility, thus decreasing our ability to see up close. This normal condition is known as Presbyopia.

There are a number of ways to deal with this decreased ability to focus on near objects. People with a small amount of nearsightedness can simply remove their glasses and be able to read. However, people with significant nearsightedness, farsightedness, good distance vision, or those who wear contact lenses will need to use reading glasses to aid in close work, such as reading or using a computer. Bifocals can also be used to provide both near and far vision. Another option, known as Monovision, is an effective alternative for people with Presbyopia. This exciting technique can provide good near vision without the need for glasses.

Monovision can be achieved with contact lenses or with Refractive Surgery. If a person has mild nearsightedness (distance vision of about 20/100 or better), one eye alone can be corrected to provide good distance vision, while leaving the other eye untreated for good near vision. People with greater amounts of nearsightedness may also have one eye corrected for distance vision, while the other eye is left mildly under-corrected to provide close vision. This same principal can be used to treat farsighted patients and those who only need reading glasses. If this option seems desirable, we suggest a trial contact lens fitting prior to Refractive Surgery. This will determine suitability for your individual needs and lifestyle.

The main advantage of Monovision is the freedom it provides from reading glasses. Monovision makes it possible to immediately and easily change the range of focus from near to far without having to constantly put on and take off glasses. The brain makes these changes automatically, without any conscious effort or awareness. This can be particularly useful for people who change their focus frequently: desk workers, teachers, public speakers, salespersons and people involved in the performing arts.

People with Monovision may need some adjustment to this new vision. Initially some decreased depth perception can be noted. Mild blurred distance vision in one eye or blurred near vision in the other eye may also be noticed, but very quickly the brain automatically "tunes out" the blurred eye and you see well at far and near. The contact lens trial is crucial in assessing your success with Monovision. Some people with Monovision elect to own a pair of thin corrective lenses. This will balance the vision for certain detail activities such as night driving or prolonged reading so that both eyes are then in simultaneous focus. For sports, an occasional contact lens could also be worn.

People who are interested in Monovision should discuss this option with the doctor prior to undergoing Refractive Surgery or contact lens fittings. Many patients have successfully adapted to monovision as an acceptable alternative to reading glasses.

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