Types of contact lenses

Monovision contact lenses for presbyopia

Q: What is the success rate of monovision contacts?

Average success rates for monovision are reported to be about 73% and is most successful for early presbyopia. Not surprisingly, the success rate is much higher if pre-existing contact lens wearers try monovision (success rate c. 59–67%) than if people who do not wear contact lenses are offered a trial with monovision contact lenses (success rate c. 8%).

Q: Which eye do contacts go in for monovision?

Typically, a contact lens that corrects distance vision goes in your dominant eye, and a contact lens that corrects near vision goes in your non-dominant eye.

Q: Can I wear monovision contacts after cataract surgery?

In many cases it is possible for contact lenses—monovision or not—to be worn after cataract surgery. If you've had cataract surgery and are interested in wearing contact lenses, ask your doctor if this is an appropriate option for you.

Q: Can I use monovision contacts if I have astigmatism?

Yes, monovision simply corrects each eye for a different distance. If you have astigmatism, the contact lens prescriptions would account for that with a toric contact lens.

Q: Who is a candidate for monovision?

Monovision contacts are usually provided to people experiencing presbyopia. The best person to determine whether they’d be right for you would be your eye doctor. They’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your eye health, experience with contact lenses, tear film, and vision needs.

Q: How long does monovision take to get used to?

Every person is different, and monovision contact lenses aren’t for everyone. Some people have too much trouble getting used to them. That said, if your eyes don’t seem to be adjusting well, speak with your eye doctor.

Q: What are the side effects of monovision contact lenses?

Common complaints include difficulty adjusting to monovision contact lenses, visual fatigue, blurry intermediate vision, and difficulty with night driving. Reading or driving glasses used on a part-time basis can resolve some of these issues.

Medically reviewed on February 23, 2026

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Published on September 20, 2024; Updated on June 1, 2026

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5 minute read

Key takeaways

What is monovision?

Find an eye doctor

Who is it for?

Monovision is for correcting age-related changes to near vision

More about presbyopia

How do monovision contacts work?

Advantages and disadvantages

Alternatives to monovision contacts

When do eye doctors recommend monovision?

Monovision or multifocal contact lenses: Which is better?

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the success rate of monovision contacts?

Which eye do contacts go in for monovision?

Can I wear monovision contacts after cataract surgery?

Can I use monovision contacts if I have astigmatism?

Who is a candidate for monovision?

How long does monovision take to get used to?

What are the side effects of monovision contact lenses?

Footnotes

2026PP05930

Monovision contact lenses for presbyopia

Key takeaways

What is monovision?

Monovision is for correcting age-related changes to near vision

How do monovision contacts work?

Advantages and disadvantages

Alternatives to monovision contacts

When do eye doctors recommend monovision?

Monovision or multifocal contact lenses: Which is better?

Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses

Try ACUVUE^® for free^*

Find an Eye Doctor

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Multifocal contact lens basics

Presbyopia—causes, symptoms, treatments

Footnotes

Monovision contact lenses for presbyopia

Key takeaways

What is monovision?

Monovision is for correcting age-related changes to near vision

How do monovision contacts work?

Advantages and disadvantages

Alternatives to monovision contacts

When do eye doctors recommend monovision?

Monovision or multifocal contact lenses: Which is better?

Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses

Try ACUVUE® for free*

Find an Eye Doctor

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Multifocal contact lens basics

Presbyopia—causes, symptoms, treatments

Footnotes

Try ACUVUE^® for free^*