Monovision contacts- evaluating the advantages and disadvantages
Monovision contacts are a type of contact lens designed to address persons having presbyopia. Presbyopia is when a person starts facing difficulty in focusing on objects. The lens gradually loses its ability to accommodate due to natural physiological changes. This starts occurring over the age of 40 for those who do not excessively use their eyes for near work. People with presbyopia have to use near spectacles. The people who suffer from myopia are already using spectacles for distance. Now when they get presbyopia, they either have to use bifocals or two spectacles, one for near and the other for distance.
Non-dominant and dominant eyes
The monovision contacts work by correcting one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. The dominant eye is usually set for distance vision and the non-dominant eye is set for near vision. This allows individuals to see clearly both up close and at a distance without needing reading glasses or bifocals. People who feel difficulty in using bifocals often wish for monovision contacts as the demarcation line in bifocals makes them confused when they instantly switch to near work.
How does the monovision phenomenon work?
In monovision contacts or spectacles, each eye is optimized for a different focal distance. The dominant eye is set for distance vision and is responsible for activities like driving or watching television. The non-dominant eye is set for near vision, facilitating tasks such as reading, using smartphones, or working on a computer.
Over time, the transition between the two vision modes becomes seamless, allowing wearers to enjoy a broader range of vision without the hassle of switching between multiple pairs of glasses.
Unique experience of every person
Every individual has a unique experience while adapting to monovision. This experience is directly linked to the working of our brain. Some people adjust quickly to this vision correction method, while others may require more time and patience.
Benefits of adapting to monovision contacts
Monovision contacts are primarily designed to address presbyopia.
People may find monovision contacts more convenient than constantly switching between different pairs of glasses.
For those who prefer not to rely on reading glasses or bifocals, monovision contacts offer the convenience of clear vision at various distances
Evaluating all the drawbacks
Effect on depth perception and stereopsis
The individuals may have difficulty noticing a difference in the vision of both eyes. This is because one eye is optimized for distance vision, while the other is set for near vision. This initial discrepancy can lead to some discomfort and visual disturbances, leading to disturbance in binocular single vision. This decreases depth perception and stereopsis.
Discomfort
The adaptation period to monovision can vary from person to person. During this time, there may be some discomfort and inconvenience.
Chances of having tropias
If a person has phorias of some diopters then he should not use monovision contacts because the decrease in depth perception can change his phoria (latent deviation) into tropia (manifest deviation). If a person has one or both crossed eyes then he should avoid using monovision contacts.
Diplopia
The eye muscles can get fatigued by experiencing visual disturbance and imbalance. The person can complain about double vision as well.
Existing need of glasses
Monovision is designed to reduce the need for reading glasses, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely for everyone. In case of prolonged reading or working on a computer for an extended period of time, there is a need of reading glasses to achieve optimal clarity.
Not good for an artistic mind
While monovision is excellent for general daily activities, it may not be ideal for professions or hobbies that demand precise vision at multiple distances. Architects, artists, or anyone who relies heavily on fine details should not go for monovision contacts.
Choose varifocals over monovision
If someone does not want to use bifocals and still wants one type of spectacles for both distance and near then he should use varifocals. The varifocals take almost 2 weeks to get adjusted.
Factors such as individual eye anatomy, personal preferences, and lifestyle can influence the success of monovision correction. However, it is advisable to use both eyes together. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye care provider are crucial to ensure that your vision remains comfortable and clear with monovision.
Founder of EyesMatterMost- an optometry student who loves talking about eyes. I tend to cover topics related to optometry, ophthalmology, eye health, eyecare, eye cosmetics and everything in between. This website is a medium to educate my readers everything related to eyes.
