A number of people have posted here who were (very) unhappy with their accidental "monovision." In some cases, this involved one eye being farsighted and the other eye nearsighted. In other cases, it involved a 3+ diopter difference between the eyes. These cases are NOT traditional monovision; I'd call them "bad vision" that no one would be happy with. According the medical literature, the vast majority of people are happy with planned monovision.
the main difference between you and red would be your monovision was not your choice and came about from a worsening cataract, meaning you weren't getting the greatest vision to begin with. Red has chosen monovision over wearing glasses and desires to remain that way
just another comment...... this about the "older" doctor being more acquainted with monovision lens...monovision just means the refractive power of each eye (or contact lens or IOL) is sufficiently different enough to allow one eye to focus at near and the other to focus at distance. I can tell you, sometimes the older guys are great but sometimes they have lost their finesse. The age of your surgeon isn't going to affect the basics of choosing the proper lens for you; that he or she has an understanding of your expectations is much more important.
I agree with Gramps. I got to try monovision by default when my cataract worsened and I could only see close-up out of my right eye. I considered it more of a handicap than desirable eyesight. However if you really want this I would certainly find a surgeon who advocates it too and will work with you on the planned outcome.
If your goal is to not wear glasses, and you have been essentially satisfied with monovision up to now then you are a great candidate for pseudophakic monovision! Any competent cataract surgeon should be able to give you this, it is a matter of choosing the correct intraocular lens power. Ask about other factors that might affect your outcome, like astigmatism. You would want to keep the current distance vision eye corrected for distance.
I had cataract surgery Oct.2007 for my right eye. I was nearsighted, could read without my glasses had bifocals with distance correction. The doctor gave me a implant that created monovision. This created an imbalance so that now my near vision is not that great and distance vision is poor. I have been to 3 optometrists who shake their heads at the imbalance between the right and left eye. I am unable to get a decent prescription for glasses. Have problem with both distance and bifocal lenses, but I can stare at a TV set all day.
Why in the world would anyone want monovision???
If you've never done monovision, getting modified monovision might be a safer choice. Your dominant eye would be set for distance, and your nondominant eye for intermediate vision. My friend who has this type of correction only needs glasses for prolonged reading or seeing small print. His distance and intermediate (computer) vision are excellent without correction, and he can usually read restaurant menus without taking out his readers. I hope the older doctor works out for you--he sounds like a good bet.
I don't think my last post went through. But anyway, thanks Jodie for the reply. I have not worn contacts , as I could not get used to them for more than an hour or so. As for the other doctors backgrounds, I am only able to speak to their office personnel. I do know that one doctor has said he will not do multifocal lenses, and I am leaning towards him. he is older, and thus more apt to have experience with monovision IOL's.
Thanks again,
Red
I think that monovision (or even modified monovision) with aspheric monofocal lenses would be a great option for you. I'm not sure why your vision was "less than great" with monovision contacts--it might be beneficial to know why. Personally, I'd be more comfortable with a surgeon who was more experienced with and enthusiastic about monovision. What are the backgrounds of the remaining 11 doctors in your insurance plan?