Monovision cataract surgery is a popular option for those looking to reduce their dependency on glasses. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we understand that patients may have concerns about the adjustment period following this procedure. Typically, it takes a few weeks to adapt, as your brain learns to process the different visual inputs from each eye and improve visual perception. In this article, we will provide a clear overview of what to expect during this transition. For personalized advice and to see if monovision cataract surgery is right for you, schedule an appointment with Las Vegas Eye Institute today.
How long will it take to adjust to monovision cataract surgery?
The adjustment period following monovision cataract surgery typically takes less than a month, often just a few weeks. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we have observed that this readjustment phase varies among individuals but can be significantly shortened with the right approach. Our experienced team advises patients to avoid comparing the differences in their vision, keep both eyes open while focusing on objects, and not dwell on the visual disparity to aid in adaptation. By following these guidelines, your eyes and brain will adjust more quickly, and the noticeable differences in vision will diminish over time. Our commitment is to support you through every step of this process, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal results. If you have any concerns or questions about monovision cataract surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to Las Vegas Eye Institute for personalized guidance. To further improve patient ability to accept monovision cataract surgery, Las Vegas Eye Institute has begun offering the Light Adjustable Lens from RxSight. This amazing new technology allows for the lens power to be adjusted after the lens is implanted. This can be crucial for our blended vision (Las Vegas Eye Institute’s more tailored version of monovision) because if either the near eye or distance eye is off target then monovision will not work as well. Fortunately, at Las Vegas Eye Institute even our conventional lenses can have their power adjusted by LASIK or PRK after the procedure. However, this is a second surgery, while the Light Adjustable Lens adjustment is a normal part of this lens’ implantation. We are fortunate at Las Vegas Eye Institute to be able to offer so many vision correction procedures to our patients through investment in all of these advanced technologies!
How do I know if I can adjust to monovision?
Many people successfully adapt to monovision as the brain learns to suppress the image from the eye that is blurry. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we find the best candidates for blended or monovision are people who have previously tried it in contact lenses or with a prior LASIK procedure. Many practices will talk about performing a contact lens trial for monovision but in reality, that has greater than 50% of patients thinking they cannot tolerate monovision. However, at Las Vegas Eye Institute we find that over 85% of patients will adapt to our milder version of monovision we refer to as blended vision. The contact lens trials are often ineffective for three reasons: the person has cataracts in both eyes impairing vision already, contact lenses often don’t do as good of a job of reducing astigmatism, and older patients often have significant difficulty tolerating contact lenses in Las Vegas due to dryness.
After Blended vision or monovision cataract surgery it usually takes a few weeks to a month to adapt, during which you might experience some blur, headaches, eye strain, and a feeling of disorientation (although most of these symptoms are quite mild). Additionally, there may be a decrease in depth perception and mild difficulty adapting to activities like driving and playing sports such as tennis or golf. These symptoms typically diminish as your brain adjusts, leading to a smoother transition. Ophthalmology professionals at Las Vegas Eye Institute will provide guidance to ease this transition. If you have any concerns, our team at Las Vegas Eye Institute is here to provide personalized support throughout the process. The good news is that most people who are having issues with driving (or other distance tasks) from monovision can get a pair of glasses to drive with that essentially negates the monovision effect on distance vision. These glasses are usually only used at nighttime to reduce some halo effect from the non-dominant eye. Most patients do not feel any need to use these glasses for daytime driving. The same is true for difficulties with reading, we can provide you with a custom pair of reading glasses that allow both eyes to be focused the same for reading. This is mainly only used for long periods of reading and is not needed for quick reading of cell phone texts or reading a price tag at a store.
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How does monovision cataract surgery differ from other refractive cataract surgery options?
Monovision cataract surgery differs from other refractive cataract surgery options primarily in its approach and cost. While premium IOL technology, including accommodating and multifocal IOLs, offers glasses-free vision by correcting presbyopia, each option has its own characteristics. Accommodating IOLs use the eye’s muscle movements to shift focus from distance to near, though some patients may still need reading glasses for detailed work, and these IOLs can become less effective over time. Multifocal IOLs provide multiple zones of focus for clear vision at various distances, but this can sometimes compromise distance vision and cause glare or halos around lights.
Monovision refractive surgery, on the other hand, uses monofocal or more commonly extended depth of focus intraocular lenses (IOLs) to provide clear close vision for one eye and clear distance vision for the other, this can make it a slightly more cost-effective option. However, monovision or blended vision cataract surgery always entails additional costs at Las Vegas Eye Institute as we always include ways to adjust the procedure postoperatively either with LASIK, PRK, or with adjustments of the Light Adjustable Lens. The Light adjustable Lens from RxSight is actually mor expensive than a multifocal lens due to its extensive ability to be customized postoperatively. At your consultation we will discuss all of your options for blended vision and try to find the right balance of price and performance. Dr. Swanic believes strongly that often the most expensive option is not the best for everyone. In fact, we can often achieve excellent results with lower cost and less time depending on your unique situation.
Blended vision can provide glasses-free vision (most of the time) for those who can adapt to suppressing the blurry image from one eye (this is >85% of patients as discussed above). A combination of a premium IOL in one eye and a monofocal IOL in the other eye has also been used successfully by some patients. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we offer personalized consultations to help you determine the best option for your vision needs.
Who is a good candidate for monovision cataract surgery?
A good candidate for monovision cataract surgery is someone who has successfully adjusted to monovision and prefers to see clearly without glasses for most tasks. Ideal candidates are those who have worn monofocal contact lenses in the past and do not like to wear glasses or progressive lenses. This option is also suitable for individuals who play sports or spend a lot of time outdoors and are willing to take the time for an adjustment period. Monovision cataract surgery can be a lower-cost option than multifocal or trifocal IOLs and has the advantage of temporary reversal as needed with custom glasses for certain tasks. However, it is not always suitable for those who require precise depth perception such as competitive tennis players. That being said we find people have great success with other tasks like golfing that are less depth perception intense. Candidates should also be prepared to wear glasses while driving, especially at night. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we help determine if monovision cataract surgery is the right choice for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Take the Next Step Towards Clear Vision
At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your best vision. If you think monovision cataract surgery might be right for you, or if you have any questions, our expert team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards clearer, glasses-free vision. We look forward to guiding you through your vision correction journey.
FAQ’s About How Long Will It Take To Adjust To Monovision Cataract Surgery
What are common symptoms during the adjustment period for monovision cataract surgery?
Common symptoms during the adjustment period include blurred vision, eye strain, and a sense of disorientation (typically all of these are mild). These symptoms are temporary and should subside as your brain adjusts to processing the different visual inputs. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we provide guidance and support to help you through this phase.
How can I speed up the adjustment process for monovision cataract surgery?
To speed up the adjustment process, avoid comparing the vision between your eyes, keep both eyes open when focusing on objects, and try not to dwell on any visual disparities. The team at Las Vegas Eye Institute will give you detailed advice on practices that can help ease this transition.
Will I need to wear glasses during the adjustment period?
You might need to wear glasses for specific activities like driving, especially at night, during the adjustment period. Your eyeglass prescription may change as you adjust to your new vision. Your eye doctor at Las Vegas Eye Institute will help you determine when and if glasses are necessary based on your individual progress.
Can I drive immediately after monovision cataract surgery?
Driving immediately after monovision cataract surgery is not recommended. It’s essential to allow your vision to stabilize and adjust. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we recommend waiting until you feel comfortable and confident in your vision before resuming driving. Most patients will feel comfortable returning to driving quite rapidly, however. To facilitate this process we will usually perform surgery on the distance eye first to get you adapted to that eye quickly. With our blended vision approach, especially with lenses like the Rayner EMV and the Light adjustable Lens that allow for induction of extended depth of focus, we can make the separation between the far and near eye less. This decreased separation between the eyes makes for a much faster recovery.
Is it normal to feel dizzy or nauseous after monovision cataract surgery?
Some patients may experience dizziness or mild nausea as their brain adjusts to the new visual inputs and visual acuity improves. These symptoms typically diminish over time. If you have concerns, the staff at Las Vegas Eye Institute is available to provide advice and reassurance.
How long should I wait before resuming sports or physical activities?
It’s advisable to wait until your vision has stabilized before resuming sports or physical activities. This usually takes a week or two. The Las Vegas Eye Institute team can give you personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and progress.
What if my vision doesn’t improve after a few weeks?
If your vision doesn’t seem to improve after a few weeks, schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at Las Vegas Eye Institute. Our specialists will assess your situation and determine if additional measures or adjustments are needed. The good news is that in the rare person who does not adapt, we can typically just remove the near vision correction from the near eye with LASIK, PRK, or a Light Adjustable Lens adjustment. This is the advantage of coming to Las Vegas Eye Institute where we have many advanced technology options at our fingertips.
Will my brain fully adjust to monovision, or will I always notice a difference?
For most people, the brain fully adjusts to monovision, and the differences between the eyes become less noticeable over time. Interestingly, while studies have shown that most people feel fully adapted by one month continued adaptation and depth perception has been shown to continue to improve over the first year. The team at Las Vegas Eye Institute will support you through this period and monitor your progress to ensure a successful adjustment.
Can monovision cataract surgery be reversed if I cannot adjust?
While it is possible to reverse monovision cataract surgery, using other methods such as LASIK or additional corrective lens options, it’s typically recommended to allow ample time for adjustment. The experts at Las Vegas Eye Institute will discuss all available options and ensure you are fully informed before any decisions are made.
How often should I have follow-up appointments after monovision cataract surgery?
Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your progress. Initially, you may need more frequent visits, which will taper off as your vision stabilizes. Las Vegas Eye Institute will create a follow-up schedule tailored to your needs to ensure optimal recovery and adjustment.
Can monovision cataract surgery correct myopia and astigmatism?
Monovision cataract surgery primarily addresses presbyopia but can also help with conditions like myopia and astigmatism. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, our laser techniques and intraocular lens options are designed to provide comprehensive vision correction. Our newest addition, the light adjustable lens, is a very advanced technology that allows for correction of astigmatism as well as near sightedness and farsightedness after implantation. For more information, consult with our specialists to see if this surgery meets your needs.