I am facing cataract surgery for non age related reasons and require a mono-focal lens implant which means I won’t be able to focus.
I told the doctor I wanted “mini-monovision” and I want a computer distance lens in the first (non-dominant) eye so she ordered -1.50 diopters, which puts that eye at 20/100. That seems pretty nearsighted to me. What can I see clearly and at what distance with that strength? Is it arm’s distance? I have scoured the internet and can’t find a practical explanation of lens strength and what you can see with at different strengths, practically speaking. For example, can you see your dashboard with 20/20? Can you read a book? Will I be able to see my watch? The idea of being stuck at one focal point and not being able to focus freaks me out. I want to explore what I will be able to see. I can’t get answers from my surgeon, and it seems no one else has these kinds of questions…
I was hoping never to need cataract surgery, or not for many years, but I was unlucky to develop an eye condition that required steroid drops.
My roomie opted for distance vision, whatever that is called so she needs several different reading type glasses for the different close focal length [um, one for blacksmithing, call it arms length?, one for sitting on computer, about a foot closer than blacksmith length, and one for reading a book in bed, which is much closer - she uses a tablet to read] I know she has some sort of transitions/colorchange driving glasses that have the reading glasses base and the upper part is no scrip at all. She has protective glasses for smithing, and her inside glasses she buys the cheap stuff from the dollar store so she can leave them around everywhere and not worry about losing any of them.
My left eye is currently developing a cataract and I want the lensesthat see outside the normal spectrum.
Wow, that’s cool, but I’m not sure blue or uv welcoming lenses are good for the retina, the most important part of the eye. You might eventually lose the ability to see blue if you’re exposed to too much. I’m going with a clear lens, because I need the most accurate color vision possible, and will wear uv blocking glasses outside.
Wow, that’s cool, but I’m not sure blue or uv welcoming lenses are good for the retina, the most important part of the eye. You might eventually lose the ability to see blue if you’re exposed to too much. I’m going with a clear lens, because I need the most accurate color vision possible, and will wear uv blocking glasses outside. I’m going to miss being able to read in bed without glasses, never thought of that… Maybe 20/100 will enable me to do that. But that’s the point of my post, I can’t find any resource that tells me that in practical terms.
Mini monovision means you do an intermediate lens in one eye and distance in the other so you don’t need so many pairs of glasses. Monovision means one near lens one far, but then the difference is so great you can’t really get glasses for binocular vision.
When I had cataracts done in both eyes, they were set for distance vision. I wear 1.5X glasses for reading and on the computer; these I buy from Hong Kong for around £3 a pair. I do not need glasses for driving and use good quality polarised sunglasses in the sun.
The precise focus distance is 100/number of dioptries, thus 1.5 dioptries means focus at 67 cm (2.2 ft).
Monovision may break the stereo vision even if you correct the eyes differently because of differences in magnification. 1.5 may not cause this, but it’s really hard to redo a cataract surgery. Most people adapt, some don’t
You may want to consider 1.5 to 2 in both eyes and having to wear glasses, except for computer work. That will give you the best quality of vision. You will need glasses for closer reading or multifocals.
When I had cataract surgery, I chose distance vision in both eyes. My eyes were not compatible with implants that focused and mono vision would interfere with pistol and rifle shooting.
I do not need glasses to drive, nor for many daily activities. My closest sharp vision is about 2.5 to 3 feet. So I need glasses to read and do close work.
I’d worn glasses since the 5th grade so it wasn’t an issue. I wear progressive lenses with about a plus 1.75 and that covers everything I need. I find that better than having to carry reading glasses and put them on and take them off on a regular basis. They have the color changing in sun, so no need for carrying sun glasses either.
When I was 45 years old, I had cataract surgery. In these days there was two options. Lens for distance or close up. I went with distance because I wanted to have a good view of the girls on the beach.
It was a tough adjustment with one eye seeing close up and the other for distance. I could never find glasses that worked. Then I went for a contact lens. And it was incredible. But, I had to wear reading glasses. But, they were cheap at Costco.
Now, I don’t use the contact lens. And can see well enough to pass the driving exam.