Assessment of visual performance in pseudophakic monovision

To assess the visual performance and acceptability of pseudophakic monovision and examine its relationship to age.

Department of Ophthalmology, Kitasato University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

This retrospective study examined patients with pseudophakic monovision using monofocal intraocular lenses. Refractive errors, visual acuity at various distances, contrast sensitivity, and near stereopsis were measured. Patient satisfaction with monovision was evaluated using a questionnaire.

Eighty-two patients (age 49 to 87 years) were evaluated. The mean difference in spherical equivalent refractive error between each patient's eyes was 2.27 diopters. Most patients had a binocular uncorrected visual acuity of 0.10 logMAR or better at all distances. For contrast sensitivity, binocular summation was observed at 1.5 to 6.0 cycles per degree. Near stereopsis was in the normal range, which was up to 100 seconds of arc. Questionnaire responses showed that 81% of patients (64% <60 years; 87% between 60 years and 70 years; 94% older than 70 years) were satisfied with the results.

Pseudophakic monovision was an effective approach for managing loss of accommodation after cataract surgery in patients older than 60 years; however, a careful selection process is required.