Contact Lenses Care

Monovision Contact Lenses

In spite of these innovations bifocal contact lenses and their variations are obviously far from perfected. For those who can’t be fitted, or who fail to adjust to bifocal lenses, there are a few alternatives and compromises. A very popular one and one that is extensively employed is the “monovision technique.” One eye is fitted for distance (usually the dominant eye); the other is fitted for reading. Either hard or soft contact lenses may be used, and this is by far the best technique found to date: The success rate is estimated at between 70 and 80 percent. As in the past, when monocles were worn, the eyes and brain somehow manage to make sense out of what seems to be visual schizophrenia. Visual fusion and depth perception can still be obtained, and after a while the wearer forgets which eye has been corrected for distance and which for near. Though depth perception is usually adequate for normal wear, it is advised that a lens for distance be substituted for the reading lens during activities where depth perception is particularly important, such as driving or sports. With the monovision technique I have fitted many patients who are ecstatic about the fact that no glasses at all need to be worn.

Compromise Contact Lenses

This method has two variations. One is to change the contact lens prescription for farsighted people so that both lenses are slightly stronger than needed for distance vision and slightly weaker than would be required for reading. Thus adequate— but not perfect—vision can be obtained at all distances. The second method is to undercorrect the contact lens prescription for the nearsighted person so that both lenses are slightly weaker than necessary for distance and slightly weaker than needed for reading. Again adequate, but not perfectly sharp, vision is obtainable for those patients who are ready to accept this compromise.

As with the monovision technique the compromise technique may result in a small percentage of eyestrain or headaches. No permanent ocular damage can result; however, if the symptoms persist, this method should be discontinued.

Two Pairs of Contact Lenses

This approach is useful for public speakers and others who require the ability to see close up while in the limelight. Having two pairs of contact lenses—one pair for distance vision and one pair for near—works well if you have the time and patience to switch from one set of lenses to the other.

Glasses plus Contact Lenses

Of course there is always the option, whenever necessary, of wearing reading glasses for near vision over the distance-correcting contacts. This is still an improvement over wearing glasses for both refractive problems.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Special Contact Lenses: Monovision Contact Lenses; Compromise Contact Lenses for Presbyopia

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