Hi george,
I had my 1st cataract surgery 2 months ago, and I am about to have my 2nd eye done the day after tomorrow.
I chose monofocal lenses for both eyes, both aimed at distance, my ophthalmologist suggested one monofocal lens to distance, and one aimed at short range, but I told him I want perfect vision with glasses at all times, and so we resorted back to both to range.
Right now, I am having a blast with my one good eye (the one with the monofocal lense) with a pair of multifocal glasses. I assume that getting one far and one close would allow you to wake up in the morning and look at the clock without putting the glasses, but eventually, 2 minutes later, you will have to put on the glasses if you want best vision with both eyes.
So it's basically up to you.
Upside : Freedom.
Downside : Perfect vision only with glasses, odd looking glasses (thickness), may require more time to get used to.
Use the search featue and archives to read about the disadvantages and advantages of monofocial, mini-monofocal with distance or near emphasis. There TONS of material to educate yourself
JCH MD