What is monovision?

Published on 7th September 2017

As we age our eyes age too and the natural ability to adjust focus from distance to near starts to deteriorate. The lens of the eye becomes less pliable making it harder for the lens to change shape and focus on near or far objects.

Due to the natural ageing of the eyes, also known as the condition presbyopia, you will start to develop the need for glasses for reading/near vision, even if you don’t or have never worn distance glasses.

Monovision is a technique used to correct the eyes either through the use of contact lenses, glasses or laser eye surgery, where one eye focuses on distance and one on near vision. It trains your brain to work between both eyes quickly, and alternates between them depending on what you’re looking at.

Monovision can be achieved with both LASIK and LASEK surgeries.

However monovision treatment isn’t right for everyone so it's best to discuss the options with your ophthalmologist at your consultation, and to have a contact lens trial of monovision to be sure that you can adapt to it.

Monovision works best when the individual is unaware of the difference between the eyes and just focuses on the image that is clearest.

For more information take a look at our detailed guide to monovision and video here.

To book a consultation with one of our surgeons click here.

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.