Cataract / Post Operative Monovision

[Halo728]

Recently underwent cataract surgery on my second eye.  Prior to surgery, distance vision in that eye was 20/70. I opted to have it corrected for near-vision, as my first eye had been corrected for distance a couple years back (it now sees 20/25).  Immediately following my recent surgery, my distance vision went from 20/70 to 20/200, and it has since fluctuated to "count fingers" and most recently 20/400. Does this sound normal?  If not, any suggestions as to treatment options at this time? Thank you.

[ibbasn2]

A related discussion, Post Cataract Surgery was started.

[aimee37]

well...that sounds like monovison, yes.  this sounds to me like what most surgeons call "successful" monovision.  read okay with one eye up close, see okay in the other eye far away.  the exact distances and acuities are greatly variable, but it sounds like even tho you may not be happy with the result, the surgeon did exactly what he/she wanted to do: make one eye see far away and the other eye see close

[aimee37]

Near Vision is okay for reading, approximately 12" from face (with only operated eye).  Using operated eye only, everything else beyond that is blurry - Normal?  

[aimee37]

It sounds to me like you might be experiencing some post-operative inflammation.  (When was your surgery?)  Have you done monovision before?  I used to wear monovision contacts, and if you can adjust to it (most people can), I think you'll like it.  Usually, the near-vision eye is set to about -2D or 20/200.  By the way, I have several friends and relatives currently doing monovision with contacts or post-LASIK; all experience excellent intermediate vision.  My sense was having continuous good vision in both eyes, with no halos, glare or aberrations.  I remember that it did take a couple of weeks for me to adjust to monovision, but your perseverance will be rewarded.    

[Forum-OD-MP]

well, it could be normal, depending on that the NEAR vision is.  if the near vision in that eye is normal/good, then yes, its normal.  if the near vision in that eye is terrible, then no, its not normal.

it also depends on how long ago the surgery was.  if 'recently' was yesterday, then this could very well be normal/benign no matter what.  if 'recently' was 8 months ago, then no, probably not normal.