Types of Contact Lenses

Monovision contact lenses: What to know

Monovision contacts are a common option for correcting presbyopia, where each eye is optimized to a different focus depth.

An illustration shows two eyes, one labeled near vision and one labeled distance vision.
What is Monovision?

Near vision in one eye, distance vision in the other

With monovision contact lenses, each eye is used for a different purpose—one dedicated to near vision and one dedicated to distance vision. That might mean different prescriptions on each eye, or a contact lens on just one eye. It takes some getting used to, but it works well for many people. If you’re interested in monovision contacts, talk to your eye doctor—they’re the ones that can determine if you’re a good candidate.

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What Is It For?

Correcting age-related farsightedness

Age-related farsightedness, or presbyopia, happens to almost everyone. It’s a normal part of aging that typically starts becoming noticeable around age 40. A telltale sign is a person at a restaurant holding a menu at arm’s length to be able to read it. Monovision contact lenses are one way to correct this.

How It Works

One eye is more dominant that the other

Similar to how most people have a dominant hand, most people have a dominant eye that their brain relies on more, and it’s the reason monovision contacts work. By correcting distance vision in the dominant eye, and close-up vision in the non-dominant eye, the brain can learn to change which eye it “listens to” depending on what you’re looking at.

Pros and Cons

Thinking about trying monovision? Here’s what to consider.

Advantages of monovision contacts

Monovision contact lenses can be great for people who don’t like to depend on reading glasses. A few perks include:

  • They help you see clearly up close
  • Once adjusted, many people find it’s a great solution for them
  • Monovision contacts are not permanent and can be a good way to try monovision if you're considering a vision correction surgery or cataract surgery with an intended monovision result

Potential side effects of monovision contacts

There are a few tradeoffs that come with wearing monovision contact lenses. They include:

Difficulty getting used to monovision

This could include headaches, blurry vision, eye strain or other symptoms.

Harder to judge depth and contrast

Typically, your eyes work together to help judge the distance of objects and compare light and shadow. When each eye focuses differently, depth perception and contrast can be decreased.

Blurry intermediate vision

Since vision is corrected far and near, objects that are “middle-distance” may appear blurry.

Night driving visuals

You may experience more visual difficulties with scattered light, flare or glare when driving at night.

Alternatives to monovision contacts

Of course, if monovision contacts lenses aren’t right for you, you have a few other options.

Multifocal contact lenses

Another approach to contact lenses for presbyopia are multifocal contact lenses. These contacts allow you to see near, middle, and far distances with the same lens.

Eyeglasses

Whether you end up wearing over-the-counter readers or prescription glasses like bifocals, eyeglasses can be a good option for people who aren’t interested in contact lenses or surgery.

A combination of eyeglasses and contact lenses

This option can be used for people who already wear contact lenses and aren’t bothered by reading glasses.

Surgery like LASIK

This is the most permanent of treatment options, and because of that, it’s not often recommended for people with no vision problems other than presbyopia.

See Details of Alternatives

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Monovision or multifocal: Which is better?

Multifocal contact lenses are another common way to correct presbyopia. Monovision and multifocals can both provide clear vision near and far for many people, but in one study, when given the choice, 76% of new contact lenses wearers preferred multifocal lenses. Ultimately, the only person that can decide which is better for you is your eye doctor.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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%).

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

Important Information For Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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