Monofocals set for distance

Intermediate means different things to different people. It may be the vision with -1.0 D myopia, or even -1.5 D. If you look at this graph below you can see what the typical vision range is with a monofocal set for the various distances and various diopter targets. Vision of 20/32 is generally considered acceptably good. The distance is in meters so you can convert to inches by multiplying by 40.

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From the graph a -1.0 D provides 20/32 or better from 17" out to about 7 feet. The -1.5 D ranges from 15" out to 4.5 feet or so. The dashed line is a monofocal set to distance. 20/32 vision ranges from about 33" out to infinity.

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With pure monofocal IOLs set to distance and normal eyes, you may have intermediate vision down to 6 possibly 4 feet, according to one post I've read on this forum. Ask your surgeon what you can expect when 20/20 distance vision is the target.

I misread your question, but the response went into moderation in any case because I included an image. My distance eye lets me see well down to 24" but results vary from person to person. The average outcome is more like about 34" as a limit of good vision. But, even with my closer vision than that, I do not find it comfortable for computer or iPhone use. If both eyes were set for distance, I would end up needing progressives worn all the time, or carrying around readers everywhere I go. This said my wife only has vision in one eye, and it has been set for distance with a monofocal. She eats without glasses, and cooks with assistance from readers when using a paper recipe. She does not use readers with her phone or tablet, and instead just expands the text size. She has progressives but essentially refuses to use them. Probably has about a dozen readers spread around the house, car, and trailer though. She does manage to knit toques on a loom without glasses though.

I have monofocal IOL in both eyes. Just to give you a more accurate picture my LE is -.125 SE and RE is -.75SE (my doctor was shooting for LE -.10 and RE -.55). Also, as you know, everyone's outcome is different in what they can see with monofocals set for distance. I do not need glasses to cook or eat. I can use my computer set at arm's length with no reading glasses, however, I find using reading glasses causes less eye strain. I have my cell phone font set at large so I can read text messages, although again wearing reading glasses makes it easier. Going through self checkout at stores or paying I have no problem being able to see those things without glasses.

My husband on the other hand has monofocals in both eyes set to distance. He has never had his eyes checked since cataract surgery to see where he ended up, but his doctor was very pleased with his outcome. My husband can eat and cook without reading glasses, but does need reading glasses for computer, cell phone, reading, going through self checkouts and paying.