Point of focus! Distance, Intermediate or Near (2024)

Point of focus! Distance, Intermediate or Near (1)

The vast majority of implants used today are "monofocal" implants. That simply means the implants are "single focus" implants. Just like the magnifying lens that as a child one used to focus the light to burn a leaf, the monofocal implants in the eye bring the complete focus onto the central processing center of the eye called the "macula."

So one can focus on the lens for distance. This is how the vast majority of patients choose and is truly the default mode for most surgeons. With ideal results, the patient will be able to focus on the far away objects. Driving can be accomplished easily,watching TV, watching baseball game at the stadium, watching the waterfall, scenery....

The focus at the intermediate is bit more tricky. It is neither perfect for distance, nor for complete near, but it has some elements of both. The intermediate is considered the range of 20 inches or 50 cm (2.0 D) to 40 inches or 100 cm (1.0D). Many people are most comfortable at 1.5D or 66cm or 26 inches. This focal point allows most people to function fine without glasses for most everyday household functions, reading the cell phone, working on your desktop computer and reading the cookbook. But if you want to drive at nights plan on corrective glasses for the full distance. If you are planning on sitting down and reading for while or doing your taxes, plan on reading glasses.

Near focus is a difficult choice. I have several patient that tell me that the biggest pleasure in their life is to curl up with a book at night and fall asleep with it. The intermediate vision is not sufficient for this task. One would need a 2.5D focus or 16 inches (40 cm) to 3.0D focus or 13 inches (33 cm). This would allow for a perfect, comfortable near read of a book, iPad, Nook or a similar item. However the distance vision is now quite compromised and requires full corrective glasses most of the time.

Can you have it all?

The answer is really, YES. With the advent of the "Multifocal" implants. The implants are designed to deliver multiple focal points that allow the patient to have clear vision at all of the distances, far, intermediate, and near!

Point of focus! Distance, Intermediate or Near (2024)

FAQs

Do I need distance or intermediate glasses? ›

Intermediate lenses are less standard than the near and distant versions but still a popular choice for computer users and those who are spending long periods at desks or a workstation needing correction for mid-range vision issues. Mid-range is typically classed as an arm's length away.

What is considered intermediate distance vision? ›

Intermediate distance vision is typically considered to be between 20 and 40 inches away. This is the distance at which most daily activities take place, making it an essential aspect of vision. If you are experiencing difficulty seeing objects at this distance, it may be time to consult with your eye doctor.

Can I wear intermediate glasses all the time? ›

Distance / Intermediate / Near

Dist, refers to distance, this is the prescription required to correct distance vision. This correction is often used for driving, television and general wear (walking around). These glasses are often worn full time.

Should I choose distance vision in both eyes, monovision edof or multifocal? ›

The decision comes down to the visual preferences of the individual patient. “If the patient wants to cover all distances or the patient's occupation requires good binocularity, multifocals are probably superior. They are independent of eye dominance and provide better stereoacuity,” he said.

Is it OK to wear distance glasses all the time? ›

If you wear distance glasses that you need to drive and walk around, then you should wear your glasses all the time. It isn't bad to wear your glasses all the time, if you understand what your glasses are designed for and are comfortable with your vision.

Do I wear distance or near glasses? ›

You can wear glasses for both near and far distances. While nearsightedness occurs when you're not able to see objects that are far away, farsightedness is the opposite. Being farsighted, or having hyperopia, means you cannot see objects at a close range.

What distance are intermediate reading glasses for? ›

Most Reading Distances Are:

-Intermediate computer reading distance of 18-20 inches- about an arms length away and often at a laptop or the lower portion of your monitor. -Typical computer reading distance of 20-26 inches- straight ahead computer monitor reading.

Can I use distance glasses for a computer? ›

They CAN be if you are comfortable using your distance correction for close work . If you find it very tiring to use your distance vision up close then you would be more comfortable with a weaker pair for close work.

At what prescription should you wear glasses all the time? ›

20/30 to 20/60: This means you may have a small vision issue, but your vision is almost normal. It's unlikely you'll need to wear glasses all the time. 20/70 to 20/160: This suggests that you have a more pressing issue with your vision. You may or may not need to wear glasses all the time.

Can you get 20/20 vision with a monofocal lens? ›

While many people will obtain 20/20 vision from their IOL, 30 to 50 percent of people who choose a monofocal IOL will still require corrective lenses after surgery. Schedule a consultation with an eye doctor near you to see if you qualify for surgery.

How bad are halos with multifocal lenses? ›

Most patients with multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) are aware of a slight halo around lights at night. Rarely, these halos can be very annoying or even debilitating. There are a few eye conditions, such as posterior capsular opacity (PCO)—treatable with a posterior capsulotomy—that may worsen this symptom.

Are the more expensive cataract lenses worth it? ›

See Clearly Without Glasses With Premium Lenses

You will be able to see things far away clearly, but you will need to wear glasses for near activities, such as reading, writing, or sewing. The main reason that most people upgrade to premium lenses is for greater flexibility with their vision in their day-to-day lives.

How do I know if I need distance or reading glasses? ›

Getting an eye exam is the best way to determine exactly what kind of correction you need for any distance.

What are intermediate glasses for? ›

Intermediate (Computer): have half the power of reading glasses and are tailored for viewing a computer screen anywhere from 20-40 inches away. If your eye doctor has not written a prescription specifically for your computer working distance, you can learn how to order prescription computer glasses from home.

How do I know if I need single vision or progressive lenses? ›

If you only need correction for one type of vision—near, intermediate, or distance—single vision lenses might be the best choice. However, if you require correction for both near and distance vision, you might consider bifocals or progressives.

What is intermediate on glasses prescription? ›

Intermediate Add

Similar to the Near Vision Add, this is the amount of correction needed on your distance prescription to give you your intermediate prescription (for looking at something at mid-range, such as a computer screen).

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