Monovision

If reading menus, your phone or prices at the supermarket isn't as effortless as it used to be, monovision may be the answer. One solution, two focal points — and if you are willing to accept a little compromise, it can be life-changing solution.

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.

Monovision is most commonly used to address presbyopia—the age-related loss of near focusing ability that typically starts in your mid-40s.

Monovision is achieved by correcting one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision. Your brain learns to blend the two images together, giving you functional vision at multiple distances without constantly reaching for glasses.
Monovision, can be achieved by:
1. Contact lenses
2. A corrective laser eye surgery procedure such as SMILE pro or LASIK
3. With intraocular (IOL) lenses following an RLE or cataract surgery procedure

Monovision is very useful for day to day near tasks; reading your phone, reading a menu, reading price tags however there may be certain situations when an optional pair of spectacles could be beneficial. For prolonged periods of near work or doing a fine detailed task at close range you may find specific reading glasses beneficial to balance both eyes for near tasks. Likewise sometimes you may prefer to optimise your distance vision by wearing prescription glasses that balance the eyes for clear distance vision in both eyes such as driving at night or driving when it is raining or driving on the open road.

 

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.

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.

Common Questions

FAQs about monovision

Can I trial monovision before committing to surgery?

Yes. Trialling monovision before considering surgical correction is an important part of determining whether it will suit you. If you are in Christchurch, we can first demonstrate monovision using a trial frame at Fendalton Eye Clinic. This gives you an initial sense of the effect and whether you would like to explore the option further. If you tolerate the spectacle trial well, we can arrange a full-day contact lens trial. You will visit the clinic in the morning, and a member of our technical team will insert the contact lenses for you. You can then go about your usual daily activities. Following your normal routine is important, as it allows you to experience monovision across a range of everyday tasks. You will return to the clinic later that day to discuss your experience and have the contact lenses removed. This follow-up conversation is an important part of the trial, even if you are already comfortable removing contact lenses yourself. You do not need to learn how to insert or remove contact lenses to complete the trial. If you live outside Christchurch, or would prefer to see your usual optometrist, we are happy to liaise with them so you can trial monovision locally.

How do I find out whether monovision would suit me?

The best way to find out whether monovision may be suitable for you is to attend one of our free suitability assessment clinics. An experienced member of our technical team can demonstrate monovision and discuss how it may work for your eyes, visual needs and lifestyle. Free suitability assessments with a member of our technical team are available in Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown and Nelson. We also offer virtual assessments by Zoom or phone. Although we cannot demonstrate monovision via Zoom or phone, we can discuss whether it may be an appropriate option based on your individual circumstances.

What is the difference between monovision and blended vision?

The terms monovision and blended vision are often used interchangeably. Both describe an approach in which one eye is optimised for distance vision and the other for nearer vision, allowing the eyes to work together across a broader range of distances. After discussion with your surgeon, you may choose a limited form of monovision called mini-monovision. With this approach, one eye is optimised for distance while the other provides some closer vision — usually at the intermediate or arm's-length range rather than for reading small print. Mini-monovision can be helpful for activities such as computer work, but you will usually still need reading glasses for close or detailed tasks.

How long does it take to get used to monovision?

with monovision using trial-frame lenses, the next step is usually to try it with contact lenses during your normal daily activities. It is important to assess monovision with both eyes open, rather than testing each eye separately. Monovision is designed to work with the eyes functioning together: over time, your brain learns to prioritise the clearer image from each eye depending on whether you are looking at something near or far. After surgical correction, it may take several days or weeks to become comfortable with monovision. We generally recommend allowing up to three months for your vision to fully settle and for your brain to adapt.

Will I still need glasses with monovision?

Monovision can reduce your dependence on glasses for everyday activities such as driving, using a computer, reading your phone and checking prices while shopping. However, it is a compromise: your eyes are set to focus at different distances rather than both being optimised for the same range. For some activities, glasses may provide clearer or more comfortable vision. For example, distance glasses can sharpen the vision in both eyes when driving at night, in the rain or on the open road. Some people with monovision choose to keep a pair of distance glasses in the car for these situations. Conversely, when doing prolonged, fine-detail work at close range, you may prefer reading glasses that balance both eyes for the clearest possible near vision.

How much does monovision cost?

The cost of monovision depends on how it's achieved. If a laser procedure (SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK) is recommended, the current fee is $3,750 per eye — including your consultation, surgery and six months of follow-up care within New Zealand. If a lens procedure (Refractive Lens Exchange or cataract surgery) is the better route to monovision, we'll prepare an individual quote after your consultation, before you decide anything. Finance options are available. The best place to start is a free suitability assessment — and from there, a contact lens trial if you'd like to experience monovision before committing.
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How do I find out what my options are?

Book a free assessment: Lens or Laser