Monovision
Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Tacoma, Washington
Most people will have trouble with their farsighted vision after the age of 40. This condition, known as presbyopia, causes many people to pick up reading glasses or get bifocals (lenses or glasses) to be able to read or see clearly. Another option available to those seeking ways to combat presbyopia is monovision. Monovision is a procedure that corrects one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision. Usually it is the dominant eye that is corrected for distance vision since your brain will compensate for the different vision levels easily.
Monovision Options
Monovision correction choices include contact lenses, LASIK monovision eye surgery, and intraocular lenses.
- Monovision contact lenses are worn just like traditional contact lenses, except that one is specialized for distance vision and the other for near vision. Depending on what the ophthalmologist suggests, you may wear these alone, or in combination with eye glasses.
- LASIK monovision surgery permanently corrects one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision, which allows patients freedom from dependence on glasses or contacts. Each cornea is corrected and reshaped by Dr. Leavitt in a relatively quick procedure.
- Intraocular lenses, or IOL, are implantable contact lenses and an alternative to LASIK. These are placed in front of the natural lens. They may also replace the natural lens completely during cataract surgery. One IOL will be placed for distance vision and the other for near vision.
Monovision vision correction is a good option for those who are tired of wearing bifocals or reading glasses, or those who may not be candidates for traditional LASIK. There is a low incidence of halos or glare with night vision, and you will be able to see both near and far.
Find out about the Limitations of Monovision.
If you are in the Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, or Tacoma, Washington area, and are interested in learning more about monovision, please contact the experienced vision team at Bellevue LASIK & Cornea for an initial consultation.