Have you also found it difficult to read a newspaper or a book after turning 40? Do you have to stretch your arm out and look away to see a message on your phone? This experience is common for many people as they age. Or are you someone who is waiting for cataract surgery? Then this story will be very important for you. Today we are talking about a wonderful method that can solve the problem of nearsightedness and reduce the use of glasses. That is Monovision.
Simply put, what is Monovision?
Monovision is a vision correction technique. Think of it like your eyes are doing a little split-task. In this method, one of your eyes is used to see things that are close (for example, reading a book, looking at your phone) clearly . The other eye is used to see things that are far away (for example, a bus on the road, a sign in the distance) .
Now you might be thinking, "Then how can I see clearly?" That's where our brain comes in. Your clever brain combines the images from both eyes to create a complete, clear image that lets you see both near and far. Some people call this "blended vision."
Why do we need Monovision?
Normally, when we look at something close to us, the shape of the lens inside our eye changes to make it clearer. This is done by the ciliary muscles inside the eye. We call this the accommodation reflex.
But as we age, especially after the age of 40-45, the flexibility of our lens gradually decreases. Then, no matter how hard those muscles try, they can't change the shape of the lens enough to see up close. That's why we call it presbyopia . In Greek, it means "old eyes." This is why many older people read a newspaper with their arms outstretched and look into the distance.
Presbyopia is not a disease, but a natural condition that occurs with aging. Monovision is a good solution for this.
Also, even if you have cataracts and are having surgery on one eye, you can have an intraocular lens (IOL) inserted into your eye during the surgery, which is designed for monovision. You can discuss this with your eye specialist and decide further.
What are the ways to achieve monovision?
There are several ways to achieve monovision. Some are temporary, meaning you can switch back to normal vision at any time. Others are permanent solutions.
1. Contact Lenses: This is the easiest and most popular method. Your doctor will give you two contact lenses with different powers for each eye. One for near vision and one for distance vision. One of the biggest advantages of this method is that you can "try it out" before going for permanent surgery. This is a great opportunity to see if you can get used to it.
2. Laser Vision Correction: Laser surgeries such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) can permanently change the shape of the cornea and achieve monovision. Since this is a permanent solution, it is usually only done after a trial with contact lenses to make sure that this method is suitable for you.
3. Intraocular Lens Surgery: As with cataract surgery, in other cases, a special artificial lens (Intraocular Lens) can be implanted into the eye to provide monovision.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The use of reading glasses for near vision has largely decreased or disappeared. | For some, it is difficult for their brains to adjust to this new vision. |
| Being able to try on contact lenses before permanent surgery. | Slightly reduced 3D vision and depth perception. |
| Contact lenses are a solution for those who do not want surgery. | Sometimes there may be minor inconveniences, such as driving at night. |
Let's talk a little more about the disadvantages of monovision.
Difficulty in getting used to the brain
This is the main challenge. For some, the brain adjusts to this new vision in a few days. For others, it may take weeks. A very small number of people may not be able to adjust at all. They may feel dizzy and lose their balance. That is why doctors advise that you definitely try wearing contact lenses before permanent surgery.
Decreased depth and 3D vision (Depth Perception)
Our eyes work together to see the depth of an object, or 3D. In monovision, because one eye focuses closer and the other further away, this 3D vision is somewhat reduced. Therefore, you need to be a little careful in the beginning when going down stairs or parking a car.
The phenomenon known as the Pulfrich effect
It's a little complicated, but it's simple. Imagine that the image information coming from one of your eyes is sent to your brain a little later than the information from the other eye. This can happen because one eye is clear and the other is a little blurry. Then, when you look at a fast-moving object (e.g. a car on the road, a thrown ball), it becomes difficult for your brain to accurately determine its distance and direction of travel. This is what we call the `(Pulfrich effect)`.
This ``Pulfrich effect`` can cause errors in distance judgment, especially when driving at night or in low light. Therefore, it is very important to talk openly with your eye doctor about your job and daily habits (especially driving) before deciding on monovision.
Things to consider when living with monovision
If you are a Monovision user, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly as recommended by your doctor. You should usually have an eye exam at least once a year or two. If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, you may need to have your eyes checked more often.
Sometimes, if you feel uncomfortable in certain situations, such as driving, you can get special glasses that you can wear only during those times. All of this should be decided in consultation with your doctor, based on your needs and lifestyle.
Take-Home Message
- Monovision is a good solution for presbyopia, a condition that causes nearsightedness to decrease with age.
- Here, one eye is adjusted for near vision and the other for distance vision, and the brain combines these two images to provide clear vision.
- Monovision can be achieved through contact lenses, laser surgery (LASIK), or artificial lens implantation.
- Before resorting to permanent surgery, be sure to try out contact lenses and make sure they are right for you.
- As there may be minor side effects such as reduced 3D vision, it is best to discuss activities such as driving with your eye specialist to make the best decision.
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