Monovision Contact Lenses | Blue Planet Optics

What Are Monovision Contacts?

Monovision contact lenses, are a unique approach to correcting presbyopia, a progressive age-related vision condition. This technique involves wearing a contact lens for distance vision in your dominant eye and a lens for near vision in your non-dominant eye. By doing so, monovision allows your brain to adapt and combine the images from both eyes. 

This helps those with presbyopia maintain functional vision without the need for bifocal contact lenses or reading glasses.

Monovision Technique and Test

Your eye care professional will also discuss your lifestyle and visual demands. This helps determine which contact lens options align with your daily activities, such as if you experience dry eye or spend extended hours working on a computer.

Determining the Dominant Eye

Before fitting monovision lenses, you need to identify your dominant eye first. This eye will typically be fitted with a lens for distance vision.

One method, commonly known as "the hole-in-the-hand" trick, involves forming a triangle with your hands and centering a distant object within it. The eye that keeps the far away object centered when the other is closed is usually your dominant eye.

How to Adjust to Monovision Contact Lenses

Getting used to monovision contacts requires some time and patience. In the beginning, you may experience the shadowing of images or unusual visual sensations. However, these effects are temporary and as your brain learns how to process the different visual inputs from each eye, your vision will improve. 

To facilitate adjustment, wear the monovision contacts consistently daily, starting with shorter wearing periods and gradually increasing wear time. For the same purpose, you can practice focusing on objects at various distances. Follow your eye doctor's guidance closely and, if needed, follow up with them to ensure proper fit and adjustment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Monovision Contacts?

The adaptation period for monovision contacts varies from person to person. Some individuals adjust within a few days, while others may take several weeks. Let your eye care provider know about your progress and any challenges you encounter during this time.

Advantages of Monovision Contact Lenses

Monovision contacts offer several benefits, such as reduced dependence on reading glasses and clear vision at both close and far distances. They're suitable for various contact lens types, including those for astigmatism, and can be less expensive than multifocal contact lenses. Many users find they provide a more natural single eye experience and relief for those experiencing dry eyes with multifocal lenses. 

Generally, users love them for their versatility, as monovision can be achieved using almost any contact lens on the market, making it a flexible and cost-effective option compared to multifocal lenses.

Cons of Monovision Contact Lenses

Despite their benefits, monovision contacts have some drawbacks as well. You may need a longer period to adapt to monovision lenses, particularly for those with strong prescriptions or who have never worn glasses. During this adjustment phase, some users might experience eye strain or headaches as their visual system adapts to the new way of seeing. 

Additionally, some wearers might notice a slight decrease in overall clarity and difficulty with night driving or in low-light conditions, as monovision doesn't always deliver "perfect" vision. 

Finally, this solution isn't a one-size-fits-all approach; There are pros and cons, and it may not be suitable for all presbyopic patients, depending on their specific vision correction needs and lifestyle.

Monovision Contacts for Astigmatism

For those with astigmatism, monovision can still be an option. Toric contact lenses, designed to correct astigmatism, can be used in a monovision setup. Your eye care professional will perform an eye exam to determine the appropriate prescription for each eye.

Trust Blue Planet Optics for Your Monovision Contacts 

Monovision contact lenses offer a unique approach to correcting presbyopia and reducing dependence on reading glasses. While they require an adaptation period and may have some drawbacks, most people find their eyes respond very well, improving their overall vision in the process. 

With monovision, one contact lens is typically corrected for distance vision while the other is optimized for near vision, allowing each eye to correct for different visual ranges. Blue Planet Optics offers a variety of options, to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eye does the contact go in for monovision?

Typically, the distance vision contact lens is placed in the dominant eye, while the near vision lens goes in the non-dominant eye. However, your eye doctor may adjust this based on your specific visual needs and preferences.

Do monovision contacts have any drawbacks?

While monovision contacts can be an effective solution for presbyopia, they do have some potential drawbacks. These include reduced stereopsis (depth perception), possible difficulty with night driving, and challenges in visually demanding tasks requiring precise depth perception. Users may also experience potential eye strain during the adaptation period. Monovision contacts can cause glare or halos at night and reduce depth perception as well. Some users may struggle with the adjustment period and not achieve perfect vision clarity. Finally, monovision contacts may not be suitable for those with significant differences in prescription between eyes.

How long does it take to adjust to monovision contacts?

Typically, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to adjust to monovision contacts. During this period, it's common to experience slight visual disturbances as your brain adapts.

Monovision vs multifocal contacts - Which solution is better?

The choice between multifocal and monovision contacts depends on individual factors such as lifestyle, visual needs, and personal preference. Multifocal lenses provide multiple focus points in each lens, potentially offering a more seamless transition between distances. However, some people find monovision more comfortable and easier to adapt to. Multifocal lenses might be better for those with high visual demands and depth perception needs, while monovision can be more cost-effective and suitable for those with astigmatism. Consult your eye care professional to determine which option is best for you.