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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:
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Long- driving, cycling, watching television, playing golf
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Intermediate- an arm's length distance, such as working at the computer
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Near- reading, knitting, using a The correct spelling is 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 prioritize distance vision and use reading glasses for close-up vision.
Intermediate vision
Computer
Car dashboard
Cooking
Far vision
Driving
Cycling
Playing golf
Watching television
Near vision
Reading
Cell phone
Knitting
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 long 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 multifocal lenses.
Multifocal lenses
Multifocal lenses provide additional focus points, enabling patients to see clearly at all distances, including reading, and enjoy greater and often complete freedom from glasses. However, not all patients can tolerate multifocal IOLs equally well. Due to the optical design of these lenses, patients may experience side effects such as halos around light sources, particularly at night. These typically diminish during the first few months.
Monovision / blended vision
This method involves implanting two lenses with slightly different powers in each eye. The difference between the two eyes is not substantial, and adapting to this situation is usually quick. In one eye, typically the first operated eye, a lens is implanted to provide clear distance vision. In the other eye, a lens is implanted to provide good intermediate vision. This method improves spectacle independence for intermediate vision. It can offer some functional near vision (reading of short text messages, newspaper headlines, or price tags) while avoiding some of the optical side effects of multifocal lenses. The vision in the intermediate eye will not be as sharp for distance. Sometimes, dedicated driving glasses are required, particularly 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).
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