There seems to be confusing advice on how Monovision works. I have read that the "brain" will automatically make the adjustment between the "near" and "far" eye and that sometimes this can take between 6 - 8 weeks. If that is the case, how can wearing contacts for 4 - 5 days mimic that????

You should be trialing monovision longer than a week with contacts. Of course you can stop anytime you dont like monovision. I have tried monovision and undercorrecting both eyes and I much prefer both eyes to be closely in balance. Some people ask to get both eyes undercorrected then they only need glasses to drive or watch movies and dont need reading glasses for their near work needs and using the computer.

Interesting that you mention undercorrecting both eyes. I asked the counselor about could npot make her understand what I was talking about. All she kept bringing up was monovision and if they undercorrected both eyes I would not have any distance.

So confusing....

I disagree!!!!
Patients in general are NOT happy if both eyes are undercorrected.
As well - a monovision trial can take an hour, a day, a week or longer - depending on the patient. Most patients can determine whether monovision would be acceptable within a day - and then the next few days are for determining the optimal power of the contacts for each eye.

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler,MD
Miami, FL

Thanks Dr. Trattler,

Tahts exactly what I did. I ended up being happy (non-dizzy) with a -.75 difference in the redaing eye. But with that, I will still need glasses whne using the computer. Guess I am not thrilled with that.

I'm 49-almost 50. My optometrist recommended monovision in my RGP's for me several years ago. I didn't like it but I didn't have to wear reading glasses either. As time went on, it became more and more noticeable but I believe my eyes were changing and it was becoming more unbalanced.

I discussed this with my optometrist when I had my first LASIK evaluation. It's what he recommended again for LASIK and he even said that my eyes were "tending" toward a natural monovision, but I thought I didn't want it. My eye surgeon also recommended it but I was wary.

However, and this is a big however, I entered 5 weeks of corneal rehab with old glasses that had no bifocals. I thought I'd absolutely go out of my mind and the idea of wearing reading glasses-taking them on and off, having to attach them to me to always have them nearby (ewwww, glasses on a rope!)kind of thing would send me over the edge. My eye surgeon then recommended MODIFIED monovision. Apparently it works best for vision several feet, such as looking at a computer screen with some slight sacrifice for near and far, but not as pronounced as with the full monovision.

I'm 1 day post LASIK, and while I know my vision is fluctuating in these early days, I'm very happy with it. I imagine I will have to have reading glasses for some situations but my far distance is good and I'm sitting right now about 2 1/2 feet from the screen and see perfectly.

So, if the idea of full monovision doesn't appeal to you, this modified monovision might be a good alternative. I do believe it is for me.

Hi everyone! The idea of not needing glasses is thrilling. I have been interested since first hearing of it, but also afraid. It is helpful to hear everyone's interactions. I have had monovision contacts for 3 years and am still quite aware of one eye seeing far and the other close. Never got used to it as I had hoped. Also, have worn contacts for 30 years with some discomfort from dry eyes. It seems there are alot of options to consider - like modified instead of full monovision. Does anyone have any other insights or experience to tell about monovision or alternatives to monovision? Thanks for listening.

If someone uses their vision for near more than distance AND cant handle monovision, an undercorrection in BOTH eyes is the better option. If someone gets both eyes corrected for distance, he will still need reading glasses for reading, eating, using the computer or other close work. Those who spend much time with close work will find that they need reading glasses almost full time. If the person is low or moderately myopic with low or no astigmastim and does alot of near work, he might want to leave things be. If hes too myopic and/or astigmatic but still wants to avoid readers, an undercorrection of -1 to -2.5 diopters can be given.

I for one undercorrect myself with weaker glasses as I see better from near and intermediate with them and im happier. They are great for the computer. I just take them off when reading. I do NOT want to be plano! I am used to seeing well from near and dont wish to lose this!