Using monovision contact lenses with binoculars? (i.e. near-sighted in one eye and far in the other) (1 Viewer)

[HarryR]

I’ve always been shortsighted, with astigmatism in one eye, and am getting to the point where I also need help with near vision. I wear specs a lot of the time, and I’m pretty sure my next pair will be varifocals; but I prefer contact lenses for birding, not just optically but because they help with my hay-fever.

But it seems like multifocal astigmatic contacts are tricky? I know some people wear contacts with a near-vision prescription in one eye and a long-distance prescription in the other; intuitively that doesn’t sound like a great idea for birding, but I wanted to hear about people’s experiences.

Any advice you can give me would be appreciated!

 

[Mike Crawley]

My partner (not a birder) used to have "mono vision" contact lenses (one long sight one short sight - she doesn’t have an astigmatism)
About three years ago she was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes and duly had her lenses replaced on the N.H.S. with "mono vision" lenses. She does carry binoculars when we visit a nature reserve, etc. but can’t quite get focusing right. Whether that’s lack of practice or something more fundamental - we don’t know and she didn’t have binoculars until recently.

FWIW - I have astigmatism in both eyes and have been wearing glasses since I was 10, I’m extremely sorry short sighted. I have a problem with my right retina (it’s become wavy rather than flat). Having that repaired will definitely induce a cataract and they replace the lens at the same time. Once that has recovered, I will get the other eye done - I expect to have to pay for that as it won’t be a medical necessity.
My master plan is to correct my distance vision and carry cheap glasses for reading menus etc

Having re-read that , I’m not sure it helps

 

[HarryR]

Thanks Mike!

 

[Rolosama]

I have been observing birds for four years with my "monovision" lenses and it has not caused any focus or other problems. On the contrary, I can observe and handle my phone without having to play with glasses. I also take pictures.