is monovision a good option

I have recently seen an opthamologist and am ready for cataract surgery at any time.  The consulting Dr. has espoused multifocal lenses as an option.  I have done some research and have concerns about these types of lenses. I have read several articles by a Dr. William Maloney, who is a strong advocate for pseudophakic monovision.  I am 53 years old and have always had monovision until recently , when the cataracts have worsened the vision in my distance eye.  I have always chosen to not where my glasses except for television, and have learned to live with less than great vision.  Any type of lense is likely to be a substancial improvement over my current vision.  My goal is to not wear glasses.  I am told by my Dr. that less than 1% of her patient's opt for monovision.  Is it necessary to find someone who is more of an advocate for monovision, or is it something that any surgeon can competently do, in regards to evaluating the ideal power and type of lens.  I am able to choose from only 12 physicians in my insurance plan.  Sorry to be so windy, but I only have one shot at this.

Thanks for any advice,

Red107

[JodieJ]

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?  

[Red107]

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

[JodieJ]

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.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Gramps672]

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???  

[KellyComfort]

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.

[2ndsight]

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.

[KellyComfort]

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.

[KellyComfort]

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  

[JodieJ]

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.