Monovision pseudophakia

To evaluate distance and near binocular visual acuities and patient acceptability after sequential posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation for pseudophakic monovision correction.

Private practice and the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, USA.

This study comprised 140 binocular patients with less than 2.00 diopters (D) of astigmatism. Preoperatively, all patients expressed a desire to be independent of optical correction; 120 presented for removal of visually significant cataract and 20, for correction of high ametropia (+8.00 to -14.00 D). Phacoemulsification and implantation of a PC IOL calculated to achieve emmetropia were performed in the dominant eye. Ocular dominance was confirmed on multiple preoperative visits using a sighting technique. Implantation of a PC IOL calculated to yield a spherical equivalent of -2.75 D was performed in the nondominant eye. Seven postoperative examinations were performed during the 1-year follow-up, with 96 patients completing all evaluations. At each examination, interviews were conducted on patient acceptance and ability to perform near and distance tasks without correction.

In the entire study group, 129 patients (92%) achieved 20/30 or better uncorrected distance acuity, J1 or better uncorrected near acuity, or both. One hundred ten patients (91%) in the cataract group and 19 (95%) in the clear lens group achieved this level. Patient acceptance was 90% in the cataract group and 100% in the clear lens group.

In a diverse group of self-selected patients from 1 metropolitan-area ophthalmology practice who were motivated to be free of spectacles, pseudophakic monovision provided a high level of satisfaction. No morbidity was associated with monovision as those who were dissatisfied with their uncorrected state did well with spectacle or contact lens correction.