Monovision and cataract (part two)

As we grow older, many of us have to consider cataract surgery. At my last checkup, my eye-doctor told me that I might not need it for 10 more years which prompted me to say, “Provided I’m still alive!” 

Some of us aren’t so lucky and have to consider that procedure earlier in life and the question is can we keep monovision following cataract surgery. When and if that time comes, patients are given options for intraocular lenses (IOLs). 

My doctor reassured me by telling me that monovision could absolutely be replicated with IOLs. Specifically one eye would get a lens for distance while the other would get a lens for near vision. This might work well for me, because I’m already adapted to monovision, as studies show high success rates (90–95%) for patients who previously used monovision with contacts. 

Obviously this would help maintain my independence from glasses post-surgery. There are important things to consider and keep in mind though, cataract surgery is permanent—so testing monovision with contacts again now (as I’m doing) is a good way to confirm my comfort with that system. Sure, multifocal or accommodating IOLs are alternatives, but they come with their own trade-offs like glare or halos. 

So, if you didn’t know all that before, or your understanding of it was a bit cloudy (pun intended), now you’re an expert too!