Your questionnaire result

MonoVision options

Based on your answers, the most suitable strategy for you appears to be a form of monovision, which may include one of the following:

  • Standard monofocal IOLs for full monovision
  • Enhanced monofocal IOLs for mini-monovision
  • Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs for micro-monovision

You've indicated a desire for glasses independence at several distances without the typical compromises of multifocal optics. This points to a monovision strategy, but it does not determine the lens category. Before accepting standard monofocal full monovision, ask your surgeon to compare it with enhanced-monofocal mini-monovision and selected EDOF micro-monovision for your eyes and visual priorities.

You have selected the following answers in the IOL selection questionnaire:

Detailed explanation of this option

In most cases you may not need glasses for distance and near vision after surgery, depending on how well you tolerate the difference in refractive power between your eyes — a concept known as monovision. Some people adapt easily to this difference (anisometropia), while others find it uncomfortable, so it's recommended to simulate monovision with glasses or contact lenses before surgery whenever possible.

Monovision means setting one eye for distance and the other for near vision.

  • Basic monovision typically uses standard monofocal IOLs and has the largest refractive difference (1.5–2.5 D), which can reduce depth perception and contrast.
  • Mini-monovision reduces that gap to around 1.0 D, offering a better balance between near vision and stereo vision.
  • Micro-monovision, often combined with advanced EDOF or presbyopia-correcting IOLs, uses a very small refractive difference (0.5–0.75 D) to extend the range of vision with minimal compromise to contrast and binocular vision.

If your brain adapts well, the combined vision from both eyes will provide functional distance and near vision — though outcomes can vary depending on lens type, lighting conditions, and your individual anatomy. It's normal for each eye to see differently in this setup; your brain merges the two images into one. Some patients still notice a mild loss of depth perception, so simulation and a thorough discussion with your doctor is important.

Important before choosing standard monofocal monovision

Standard monofocal monovision remains a valid option, particularly when cost, medical suitability, contrast needs or local availability matter. But it should not be the automatic default. Enhanced monofocal and selected EDOF lenses can sometimes provide a broader usable range with a smaller difference between the eyes. That may reduce — but cannot eliminate — trade-offs in depth perception, contrast, night vision and adaptation.

Ask your surgeon directly: “Could an enhanced monofocal or EDOF mini-/micro-monovision plan achieve my goal with less anisometropia?” If the alternatives and their trade-offs are still unclear, discuss the plan with me or seek another surgical opinion before the target for the second eye is fixed.

Enhanced monofocal IOLs · EDOF IOLs

Evidence note: Recent research suggests enhanced monofocal and EDOF mini-monovision may extend intermediate vision or reduce the offset required between eyes, but superiority over standard monofocal strategies is not guaranteed and depends on the lens, target and patient. 2025 systematic review · binocular-function study

Final visual quality also depends on factors like lens material, aspheric design, chromatic-aberration correction, and blue-light filtering — see Compare IOLs for a side-by-side view.

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