Eyeglasses post cataract surgery

Judith can you clarify… what if your refraction now in each eye post-op? I saw you mention monovision in one of the replies but the whole point of monovision is to NOT need glasses. I guess an optometrist can make glasses for any situation you have or want but I'm trying to understand your baseline… i.e. what your uncorrected vision is now and in what scenarios you find you need correction.

Thanks David.

I understand now that monovision in glasses wouldn't work for me.

I believe the sphere for at least the left eye will be -1.75D.

My appt for a refraction of both eyes with my optometrist is scheduled for tomorrow.

I would like my distance vision to be increased to -0.5D (the target for my RE was -1.0D and LE was -1.75D (I'm concerned however that my LE cannot be corrected to 20/20, only 20/25).

Judith, You certainly do get lot replies very quickly when you post a question!

I notice you always thank by name everyone who replies to you. I am sure that is much appreciated by those on this forum.

Thanks Lynda. I really appreciate the thoughtful and supportive feedback which is incredibly helpful.

There are three basic types of glasses to choose from. Progressives, Bifocals (and trifocals), and single vision. See this illustration of the differences:

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Progressive glasses provide a full range of vision from distance to intermediate to near in a smooth progression without steps. Bifocals and Trifocals have dividing lines and provide distance and near, or distance, intermediate, and near, but in distinct steps. Going from one distance to another can require moving your head more to the full image through the range you are looking through. Single vision are just that. Since you are in the range of -1.75 to -1.50 D now, it would make sense if going for single vision to select distance. But, it would require you to take them off to see near. Single vision are the cheapest and probably give the best view of distance as it is the full lens.

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In the progressive type of glasses there are two basic types. One is the standard progressive that devotes a large section at the top to distance, and then progresses through smaller sections for intermediate and near. Better quality progressives will have wider areas of progression and will require less head movement. They would seem to be a good fit for you, as you have near vision without glasses and are short on distance vision. They would be good for driving and are illustrated in the left image below. If you spend a lot of time on the computer there is a specialty type shown below as the multi-function type on the right. They have a smaller distance section, and very large intermediate section, and smaller near section. These are specifically for computer work, or any work at that distance. They are not likely good for driving, or lots of close reading. You would need another pair for driving. And you may achieve the same thing as what these lenses provide by just taking your glasses off.

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Some things to think about. If it were me, I would pick a good quality standard progressive for your situation.

Thanks Ron!