If you’re considering laser eye surgery and also noticing that reading menus, phones, or books isn’t as effortless as it used to be, you may have heard the term monovision. It sounds technical, but the idea behind it is surprisingly simple—and for the right person, it can be life-changing.
Let’s break down what monovision is, how it works with laser eye surgery, and whether it might be right for you.
What is monovision?
Monovision is a vision correction strategy where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. Instead of both eyes doing exactly the same job, each eye takes on a different role.
Your brain then learns to blend the two images together, allowing you to function comfortably at multiple distances without relying on glasses.
Monovision is most commonly used to address presbyopia—the age-related loss of near focusing ability that typically starts in your mid-40s.
How monovision works
- Dominant eye: corrected for clear distance vision
- Non-dominant eye: corrected for near or intermediate vision
The goal isn’t perfection in each eye individually, but functional vision across your whole day.
Before a monovision surgical correction, we recommend a simulation of monovision using contact lenses. This trial period is crucial—it lets you experience a typical day with monovision and find out whether it is comfortable for you and provides a good compromise to meet your visual requirements. We are happy to discuss a monovision simulation further with you, this can be arranged with a member of the technical team at Fendalton Eye clinic or we can liaise with your optometrist for you to trial monovision with them.
What does monovision feel like?
At first, monovision can feel a little strange. Some people notice:
- Mild changes in depth perception
- Slight blur at certain distances
The good news is that most people who are good candidates adapt well, often without consciously thinking about which eye is doing what. Your brain is remarkably good at sorting it out with both eyes open.
That said, monovision isn’t for everyone. Some people never fully adjust and prefer both eyes corrected the same way.
Benefits of monovision
- Reduced dependence on reading glasses
- Freedom from bifocals or progressives
- A more natural visual experience for many people
Potential downsides to consider
Like any medical decision, monovision comes with trade-offs:
- Reduced depth perception (which matters for some sports and night driving)
- Not ideal for precision-critical professions (pilots, commercial drivers, etc.)
- Adaptation isn’t guaranteed – though trialling with contact lenses usually uncovers if adaptation is problematic
- Night vision symptoms may be slightly more noticeable for some people
Realistic discussion around expectations and a contact lens simulation of monovision are important before committing.
Who is a good candidate for monovision?
You may be a strong candidate for monovision lens or laser eye surgery if you:
- Are over 40 and experiencing presbyopia
- Want less reliance on reading glasses
- Are comfortable with small visual compromises for greater convenience with everyday tasks
People who are highly sensitive to visual imbalance, or who rely heavily on perfect depth perception, may prefer other options.
Alternative presbyopia solutions
Monovision isn’t the only way to manage presbyopia.
- Separate glasses for distance tasks and tasks within arm’s length range
- Progressive (multifocal) spectacles or bifocal contact lenses
- Refractive lens exchange (Lens replacement surgery) with trifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses
Each option has its own pros and cons, and the “best” choice depends on your lifestyle, your work, and your visual priorities. Once you reach the stage of needing one correction for clear distance vision and another for close-range tasks, every solution involves some compromise. We are happy to discuss your lifestyle and visual requirements with you to help guide you with the option that will best meet your needs.
Wondering if monovision could work for you?
The only way to know is to try it. At Fendalton Eye Clinic we begin with a free lens-or-laser assessment, and if monovision looks like a good fit we set you up with a contact lens trial so you can experience it in your everyday life before committing to surgery.
Book your free assessment online, or call us on 0800 DR EYES (0800 37 39 37). Assessments are available in person in Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown and Nelson or by Zoom or telephone from anywhere in New Zealand.
