Intraocular lens choices

During cataract surgery, the cataract is replaced with a new intraocular lens (IOL). This will improve your vision significantly, but glasses may still be needed.
Modern IOL choices can significantly reduce your dependency on glasses. However, not all lenses suit every eye; sometimes, a combination of lenses may be required.

Monofocal lenses

A standard monofocal IOL provides high-quality vision at a single distance, suitable for a standard eye with minimal astigmatism.

There are three typical viewing distances:

Far- driving, cycling, watching television, playing golf
Intermediate- an arm's length distance, such as working at the computer
Near-reading, knitting, using a cell phone.

With a monofocal IOL, you will have excellent vision at a specific distance but need glasses for other distances. Most patients who choose a monofocal lens prioritise distance vision and use reading glasses for close-up vision.

Intermediate

Computer

Car dashboard

Cooking

Near

Reading

Cell phone

Knitting

Far

Driving

Cycling

Playing golf

Watching television

Toric lenses

If you have astigmatism, you may require a toric lens. Astigmatism occurs when the shape of the cornea is more oval than round, resembling a rugby ball rather than a soccer ball. Therefore, light entering the eye does not focus on a single clear point but spreads to form a blurry line.

Toric lenses reduce astigmatism and provide excellent visual outcomes. They must be carefully planned and precisely implanted for optimal visual results. Like monofocal lenses, they only provide clear vision for one distance.

Normal vision

Vision with astigmatism

Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) lenses

This type of lens provides a broader range of vision. It typically offers good far and intermediate vision but only limited near vision. This means you can drive and see the computer without glasses, but prolonged reading may require reading glasses. They typically have fewer side effects than the full range of vision lenses.

Full Range of Vision lenses

A full range of vision lenses enables patients to see clearly at all distances, including reading, and enjoy greater and often complete freedom from glasses. However, not all patients can tolerate the full range of vision lenses equally well. Due to the optical design, some patients may experience side effects such as halos around light sources, esspecially at night. These effect typically diminish within the first few months following the surgery.

Monovision / blended vision

This method involves implanting two lenses with slightly different powers in each eye. The difference between the lenses is not substantial, and adapting to this setup is typically quick. In the first operated eye, a lens is implanted to provide clear distance vision. In the second eye, a lens is implanted to provide good intermediate vision. This approach enhances independence from glasses for intermediate vision and can offer functional near vision, such as reading short text messages, newspaper headlines, or price tags, while minimising some optical side effects associated with lenses designed for a full range of vision. However, vision in the eye that is set for intermediate sight may not be as sharp for distance viewing. As a result, dedicated driving glasses may be necessary, especially at night.

Monovision/blended vision is unsuitable for patients with amblyopia (lazy eye), patients with a visual impairment in one eye, and patients who have previously undergone surgeries to correct strabismus (squint).

The cataract questionnaire, along with eye examinations and measurements using various devices, will assist us in guiding you towards the most suitable lens that meets your visual needs.

Cataract Questionnaire