Accidental Monovision?

[sri009]

I had cataract surgery done on the left eye 2 weeks back. Now I am able to see and read things which are at a distance of 20 inches to 30 inches (my computer screen) without the help of any glasses. My Dr. says that he tried to set the eye for distant vision but it has ended up being intermediate vision. He says when I get my right eye done he would set it for perfect distant vision. Here are my concerns.
1. Is 20 to 30 inches intermediate vision or near vision in the first place?
2. Will I not end up having depth perception issues with one eye set for distant vision and the other eye set for 20 to 30 inches. Currently with the combination of my operated left eye and the non-operated right eye I am having depth perception issues of varying degree while looking at things at different distances, even with corrective glasses on for the left eye (power is -0.75, the power seems to be fluctuating).
3. I do not mind wearing glasses but I want the near perfect vision which I had before I developed cataracts. I am only 32 yrs old and never wore glasses. I do not want to have issues judging depth.
4. If I set my right eye too for 20 to 30 inches will there be no issues of depth perception at all? Is this advisable? If not, what is the best distance that I should get my right eye set to?

Please advice. I only have one shot left now. All you feedback / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sri

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

1, More near than intermediater
2. If you set the other eye for distance ("plano") you may well have trouble with the two eyes working together. Since you want good near vision without glasses you probably don't want the other eye set for distance.
3. See above
4 Use the search feature and read about all the various combinations of monovision, mini mono-vision.  If the difference in glasses RX is more than + or 1.50 you may have troubles working together.

Be sure you discuss this with your surgeon BEFORE the second eye is done

JCHMD

[bbuzz]

My brother and also a friend of mine had both eyes set for near vision when they had their cataracts removed.  Both my brother and my friend had perfect vision for reading before the surgery and could wear glasses for distance.  Now my brother can't see near or distant even with glasses.  My friend's vision is somewhat better, but she can't see as good as before - either near or far.  If you doctor can get your second eye good for distance, I would suggest you go that route.  You can always wear a contact lens for distance in the first eye and have the advantage when not wearing the contact of being able to read without glasses.