What is Refractive Design?

 

Our eyes may look pretty similar on the outside, but the view from the inside varies widely.  Each of us has an optically unique set of eyes that we lived with for decades before developing cataracts.  This is our 'optical world'.  Some of us are nearsighted.  Some see best at distance.  Some of us can't see well at any distance without glasses or contact lenses. 

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Each of us has also different interests and predispositions.  Some people like to ski and hike and rarely sit down.  Others find fulfillment in crafts and detailed close up work. 

 

Cataract surgery is a unique opportunity for you to customize your vision for the life you lead.  You can create the vision that suits you- your own personal window to the world for the rest of your life. 

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This page takes you through the design opportunities you may wish to explore using the standard single focus lenses that your insurance provides.  For information on multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses, go to the appropriate page within this site by navigating the toolbar at the top of this page.  

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Key Principles:

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Refractive Design with micro monovision allows you to create eyes that are customized for activities that are important to you.  There are three key principles of Refractive Design:

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1.  The depth of focus that you experience can be increased if the focal distance if the two eyes are focused at slightly different distances (Micro Monovision).

 

2.  Micro monovision preserves stereo vision and keeps the eyes working together.    Micro monovision does not provide the full depth of field required to simultaneously read and see at distance.

 

3.  Because of #2, it is necessary to choose the refractive path (distance, middle, or near) that emphasizes the activities that are most important to you.  Glasses will need to be worn at some times for tasks that are outside of the distance you prioritize.

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More detail about custom designing your vision

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Talking to your surgeon:

 

Not every surgeon will offer micro monovision and refractive path options unless you ask, but most would be willing to provide this level of customization if your request it.    

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These refractive design strategies are for patients who are not electing presbyopia correction with multifocal lenses or extended depth of focus lenses.  Compare the advantages and disadvantages of both strategies before deciding what you want. 

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