Enhancing Near Vision with Monovision Contact Lenses: A Practical Alternative to Reading Glasses and Progressive Lenses

Are you finding it increasingly challenging to read a menu, or do you struggle to focus on your cell phone? If so, you might be experiencing the common and often age-related condition known as presbyopia. 

Traditionally, reading glasses or progressive lenses have been the go-to solution for this issue. However, monovision contact lenses may be the answer for those seeking a more convenient and unobtrusive solution. This is especially true for people who already love to wear contact lenses.

This post provides an overview of how monovision contact lenses can help improve near vision.

Understanding Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural change that happens in our eyes as we age, typically noticeable in our early to mid-40s. The eye's natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on objects up close. Standard solutions for presbyopia include reading glasses, bifocal glasses, progressive lenses, or multifocal contact lenses. However, these might not suit everyone's lifestyle, comfort or budget. This is where the concept of monovision comes into play.

Monovision: A Different Approach to Improved Near Vision

Monovision is an approach where one eye (typically your dominant one) is corrected for distance vision while the other is adjusted to see clearly up close. 

Before the invention of multifocal contact lenses, monovision was the primary way eye doctors would correct presbyopia in contact lens wearers. Monovision is also a common technique used in cataract surgery to provide the same benefit. Monovision, however, fell out of favour as a treatment option because everyone started to fit multifocal contact lenses or multifocal IOLs in cataract surgery. However, it's still a great option that should be explored. 

The Benefits of Monovision Contact Lenses

• Convenience and Flexibility

Monovision contact lenses offer a sense of convenience that glasses often can't. They provide the freedom to see clearly at all distances without switching between different pairs of glasses, making them particularly useful for active individuals. You can also use regular non-prescription eyeglasses overtop. 

• Cosmetic Appeal

Contact lenses offer a distinct cosmetic advantage over traditional eyeglasses that cannot be overlooked. They maintain the natural appearance of the face, allowing the beauty of the eyes to shine without obstruction, thus offering a sense of freedom and confidence to the wearer. Unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses do not fog up or get splattered by rain. They also do not interfere with the wearing of sunglasses or protective eyewear. For those leading an active lifestyle or who prefer a glasses-free look for aesthetic reasons, contact lenses can enhance the wearer's appearance while providing clear, unobstructed vision. The virtually invisible nature of contact lenses enables the user to enjoy the best of both worlds - superior vision correction coupled with an unaltered, natural look.

• Cost-Effectiveness

Monovision contact lenses can also be a more economical choice when compared to their multifocal counterparts, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. Monovision lenses typically cost about 40-50% less than multifocal lenses. This significant price difference can be attributed to multifocal lenses' more complex design and manufacturing process, which must incorporate multiple prescriptions into a single lens. On the other hand, monovision lenses, each containing a single prescription, are more straightforward and hence cheaper to produce. Therefore, monovision contact lenses present a practical and affordable alternative for individuals seeking a cost-effective solution to presbyopia that doesn't compromise on visual quality.

• Less Glare

One notable advantage of monovision contact lenses over multifocal lenses is their ability to produce less glare. This can be attributed to the distinct design differences between these two types of lenses. Most multifocal lenses utilize a concentric ring design, alternating zones of different distance and near vision prescriptions. While this design can provide clear vision at all distances, it may also lead to an unwanted side effect: increased glare, particularly in low-light conditions. In contrast, monovision lenses, which assign one eye for distance vision and the other for near tasks, avoid this issue as they have a single prescription per lens. Consequently, users often report less glare and fewer visual disturbances, especially in dimly lit environments, offering a more comfortable and seamless visual experience.

• Monovision Is A Great Option For People with Astigmatism

Monovision contact lenses can be a practical solution for people with astigmatism who experience presbyopia, especially considering the limited availability of multifocal astigmatism lens options. Astigmatism, a common eye condition where the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, can complicate the fitting process for multifocal lenses. Monovision contact lenses, however, can help address this challenge. 

Adapting to Monovision

Adapting to monovision contact lenses can pose certain challenges, and it's important to be aware of the most common problems people may encounter during this transition period. First, there may be initial discomfort as your eyes adjust to wearing different prescriptions. Second, some individuals report slight changes in depth perception, which can affect activities like driving or playing sports. Third, there might be a noticeable difference in vision clarity between the two eyes, particularly in low light conditions or for detailed tasks, leading to potential visual discomfort. Fourth, a small group of people may experience eyestrain or headaches during the adaptation period as the brain adjusts to interpreting two different streams of visual information. Finally, individuals might find themselves squinting or closing one eye to gain clear vision in certain situations, a habit that can take time to break.

It's crucial to remember that these challenges are typically temporary, and regular follow-ups with your eye doctor can help ensure a smooth and successful adjustment to monovision contact lenses.

Concluding Thoughts

Monovision contact lenses could be a viable solution for those experiencing presbyopia and seeking an alternative to glasses or progressive lenses. They offer the convenience of not switching glasses and the cosmetic benefit of not having to wear glasses at all. They could prove to be cost-effective over time. However, as with all vision correction options, it's essential to discuss this with your eye doctor to ensure it's the right fit for your lifestyle and visual needs. Your eyes are unique, and your solution should be too.