Vision distance question for cataract Surgery on 2nd Eye

[absolute_angels]

I am getting a cataract fixed in my left eye in a couple of weeks and may have my vision distance opposite of my right eye.
Is it better to have my vision the same in both eyes?
If so, how?

How will sight different effect my vision?
Will it be more difficult?

My right eye has a further distance, which I notice close up being difficult. As putting on makeup is even challenging at times.

My right eye has already had surgery and is set for further distance.

Thank you

[JohnHaganMD]

Read this carefully:  http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/1648102/Consider-ALL-the-Options-Before-Your-Cataract-Surgery-Working-Through-Whats-Best-For-You

If your RE is set for distance (0.00 residual refractive error) most people would opt for about -1.00 in the LE (mini-monofocal).

[MrPresley]

I never liked the full monovision approach when I tried it with contacts, and instead opted for distance correction in both eyes and use readers only for up-close work.  The mini-monovision/mini-monofocal approach suggested above sounds like a viable trade-off worth considering.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[JohnHaganMD]

Optically "distance vision" is 20 feet (6 meters) or farther away.  A person with 0.00 in both eyes post op even with 20/20 vision will not be able to read, or see a computer screen and will have trouble with scores/weather-news scrolling on TV at 10 feet away.  Most people with 0.00 and 20/20 in one eye and -1.00 in the other can do these without glasses in good light and good print.

[JohnHaganMD]

Just saw a patient this past week. myopic. Need glasses since grade school for distance. Always able to read without glasses even in her 60's.  She opted for plano/plano done at a different practice. She is so upset that she can no longer read without glasses. She wants to consider IOL exchange. I have never had a myope that enjoys near vision without glasses that has been happy with plano/plano for post operative refractive error goal.

[NightHawkGuy]

How much difference is planned between the two eyes?
Some people get monovision where one eye is set for good distance vision (about 0D) and the other eye set for near vision (about -2D) but some can't deal with that much difference.
An alternative is mini-monovision where the near eye is set more for intermediate distance vision (-1D to -1.5D) that is easier to get used to. That is enough for viewing in the mirror without glasses.
Having both eyes set for good distance vision can give great driving vision with full depth perception, but requires eyeglasses for intermediate and near viewing.
Its all a tradeoff and each individual has to decide their priorities in terms of the viewing distances and which they most want to have glasses-free and plan on using eyeglasses for at least one of the 3 viewing distances (far, intermediate, near).

[JohnHaganMD]

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