Mono Focal Lens for Intermediate Vision
Posted , 7 users are following.
I am a 67 year old male. I will be having cataract surgery on my right eye in December. My left eye also has a cataract, but does not need to be removed any time soon. So, I have decided to leave it alone for as long as possible as my vision is 20/25 in that eye. I will be going with mono focal lens with mini monovision. My vision is currently -.50D in the left and -5.50D in the right without correction. My left eye is dominant. I would like to use my left eye for distance and my right eye for intermediate, so that I can work on a desktop computer and see the dashboard of my car. I realize that I will probably need to use glasses for reading.
I met with my ophthalmologist on Thursday. I just recently read his notes online from my exam and I noticed that my surgeon wrote, "Right eye aim -1.25 to 1.50." Would this be the appropriate correction for seeking mini monovision? I have read in other posts that a -1.0 is best for intermediate vision. I would appreciate hearing other people about this apparent discrepancy. Thank you
0 likes, 5 replies
Guest greg98553
Posted
Hi Greg, I also only needed my right eye cataract removed (now 1 year post-op) and opted for an intermediate monofocal correction; ending up at - 1.25D. While I don't have much of a difference between the two eyes (Left eye is -1.5D or so with small cataract), I've experimented with a contact lens simulating a combination similar to what you describe (-1.25 right/-.5 left) and it's great for going out at night, with the difference barely noticeable. Personally, I prefer both eyes being intermediate/near, as I don't need glasses for computer or reading, and mainly use glasses to drive, watch TV, and for outdoor activities. (I might change my mind when the left eye needs surgery, but that could be a few years off). Regarding the actual target, he may have recommended that range due to the margin of error. If an overcorrection lands you at -1.0 it should still be ok with your goal of getting intermediate vision, but if he targets -1.0 and you end up overcorrected to -.5D then you lose the monovision benefit. While you could also end up with an undercorrection (say -1.75) you'd still have monovision benefit. Hope this helps. Unfortunately, it's impossible to guarantee a specific outcome, but your surgeon's plan sounds reasonable. Good luck with the surgery!
greg98553 Guest
Posted
Hi BellaD,
That information is all very helpful. I feel much more confident in this procedure now that I know exactly how my doctor came up with these numbers. It all makes a lot of sense. Thank you very much.
diane48177 greg98553
Posted
Hi Greg, I will explain my experience with hopes that it will help you. I had cataract surgery March and April 2018. My hopes were for distance correction but because I had Lasik many years ago, there was not guarantee that doctor could achieve that. I ended up with -1.00 in my right eye (dominant eye) and my best vision is intermediate. I wear a contact lens in that eye to drive or if I'm at a sporting event to give me 20/20 vision. But I do not need glasses at all for the computer. I was so upset at first because I seriously wanted my best vision to be my distance vision. But I am not minding the good intermediate vision at all. I too have the monofocal in both eyes. The left eye is plano.
Maryland2018 diane48177
Posted
Diane48177 - how is your near vision in terms of looking at your phone, or reading a short article or restaurant menu?
greg98553
Posted
Hi Diane,
I am glad that you are now satisfied with good intermediate vision in your dominant eye, even though that was not your original intention. Fortunately, I have the benefit of having worn contact lens in the past in order to have monovision. Thank you for your sharing your own experience.