What are monovision contact lenses?

Monovision contacts are special sets of lenses that use different prescriptions for your left and right eyes. The lens for your dominant eye helps you see objects at a distance. The lens for your non-dominant eye helps you focus on nearby objects.

That doesn't mean you need to close your dominant eye every time you want to scroll on your phone. As you adjust to the contacts, your brain starts to learn which eye is best for each distance. After a week or two, it automatically processes the clearer image and ignores the blurry one.

The result? You'll see clearly up close and at a distance, even when you have both eyes open. (Isn't the brain amazing?) During the adjustment period, however, you might experience unusual but temporary changes in your vision.

Monovision contacts are mainly designed for people with presbyopia, a condition that makes it hard to focus on objects that are close to you. It's a common — and exasperating — issue that often comes on gradually starting in your 40s.

Your eye care professional might also recommend monovision contacts for mild astigmatism or as a trial run before you get eye surgery for cataracts. You can choose from a few types of monovision contacts to suit different lifestyles and vision needs.

Types of monovision lenses

Types of monovision contact lenses include:

• Standard monovision contacts. These contacts feature one lens that's corrected to help you see nearby objects and one that's corrected for distance. They provide better close-up and long-distance vision.

• Mini-monovision contacts. These contacts, which are also called modified monovision lenses, use a close-up lens with lower magnification. This reduces the difference between the eyes, which can help you see more clearly in the middle distance. (Useful if you love a good scroll sesh.)

Monovision vs. multifocal contacts

Both monovision and multifocal contacts are designed to help you see clearly at different distances. However, there are some important differences to consider:

• Monovision. These contacts use a different prescription in each lens to improve close-up and long-distance focus. They're often more affordable because they use two different single-vision lenses, but some people have a hard time adjusting. You might prefer this option if you struggle to focus on objects up close.

• Multifocal. Multifocal contacts combine multiple prescriptions in a single lens. This specialized design often makes them more expensive, but the higher price tag might be worth it. Because the lenses correct your vision for multiple distances in both eyes, they can provide a more natural experience. You might choose these contacts if you have trouble seeing at more than one distance.

Benefits of monovision lenses

Monovision contact lenses have a few important benefits:

1. Reduces the need for reading glasses. If you tend to forget your readers (and who doesn't), or if you just don't like wearing them, monovision contacts can help you see without them.

2. Improved close-up focus. Eyes tend to have trouble focusing on nearby objects as you age. If you're struggling to read books or menus, monovision contacts may help.

3. Convenience. With contacts that help you see at close and far distances, you can transition between activities without changing glasses.

4. Easy testing. If you're thinking about getting monovision eye surgery, contact lenses are a great way to see how your body will adapt. (And, unlike surgery, they're not permanent!)

Drawbacks and side effects of monovision contact lenses

Monovision solutions aren't right for everyone. Before you commit, make sure you're okay with the potential drawbacks to monovision contacts.

Adjustment period

While your brain is getting used to the different contact prescriptions, you might experience blurry vision, nighttime glare or halos, and low depth perception. Everyone adapts differently, so your vision changes may be more or less severe.

For many people, this is only an issue for the first week or two. If you still have problems seeing after two weeks, make an appointment with your eye care professional; they may be able to change the prescription. However, keep in mind that some people never adjust fully.

Middle-vision issues

Traditional monovision lenses are corrected for close-up and far-off distances, which can make it hard to focus on intermediate areas. This includes objects between 20 and 40 inches from your eyes (about an arm's length and beyond). If you experience this problem, your eye care professional might be able to reduce the prescription in the close-focus contact.

Loss of depth perception

One of the biggest downsides of monovision contacts is the potential for losing depth perception. Because the contacts focus each eye at a different distance, it can affect your ability to judge distances accurately. It varies by person and often goes away as the brain adjusts. However, ongoing issues could affect your ability to play sports, drive, or complete detail-oriented projects. (Not great if you're into sewing or woodworking.)

Reverse Pulfrich effect

With monovision contacts, one eye focuses quickly on near objects, while the other focuses on far-off objects. The difference in image blur can cause a problem when you're looking at moving objects such as cars or bikes — you might have a hard time figuring out how far away they are. (Yikes!)

The reverse Pulfrich effect can be dangerous when you're walking or driving, so you should see an eye care professional. They may be able to prescribe monovision lenses with special anti-Pulfrich corrections.

Can you drive with monovision contacts?

Yes, you can usually drive with monovision contacts. Be cautious during the first 2 weeks, when most side effects are at their worst. Try driving in daylight first to see if your depth perception is affected.

Driving at night can be especially difficult as you adjust to the contacts. Monovision lenses can create a glare off of headlights and streetlights, making it hard to see. These problems may go away, but some people might need to switch to glasses for nighttime driving.

If you spend a lot of time reading or looking at objects up close, monovision contacts could make your eyes tired. Fatigue can also cause problems when you're driving.

Tips for driving safely with monovision contacts (especially at night!):

1. Keep a pair of distance glasses in the car as a backup (a good idea anyway in case of ripped or torn contacts).

2. Avoid driving when you're tired.

3. Test your vision and depth perception while driving with a friend in a safe place, such as an empty parking lot.

4. Stick to daylight driving while you adjust to the contacts.

5. Clean your windshield to reduce glare.

6. Don't look directly at headlights, stoplights, streetlights, or your car's dashboard lights at night.

7. Use eye drops to prevent dryness from your car's heating and AC systems.

8. Constantly scan the environment for hazards.

9. Increasing your following distance behind other vehicles.

If you're having problems seeing while driving after 2 weeks, make an appointment with your eye care professional to discuss solutions.

How to calculate monovision contact lenses

When you get fitted for monovision contacts, your eye care professional will calculate the right prescription for each eye. Here's how the process works:

1. Identify your dominant eye.

2. Use subjective refraction to determine how much correction is needed for distance viewing in the dominant eye.

3. Correct the non-dominant eye for near vision.

4. Test the prescription with trial lenses.

5. Adjust the dominant and non-dominant correction based on feedback.

It can take time to find the right monovision prescription. To speed the process, take notes about your experience and share them with your eye care professional. That way, they can adjust the prescriptions to give you a better experience.

Are monovision contacts a good idea?

Monovision contacts may be a good idea if you're having trouble focusing on objects that are close to you. These contacts can help you see clearly at multiple distances, without the need to carry reading glasses everywhere you go. (Why are they so easy to misplace?)

Even with the drawbacks, monovision contacts can be a great way to deal with aging eyesight. The glare can be distracting at night, but that's not a big deal if you take public transportation or if you're rarely on the road after dark. If your job or lifestyle requires accurate depth perception — if you're a truck driver or a dentist, for example — multifocal contacts might be a better solution.

Ready to start stocking up on monovision contacts? With 1-800 Contacts, you can shop online for the same brand of contacts your eye care professional prescribed.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!