Multifocal Lenses

What types of IOLs are available and how do they effect vision?

There are a variety of lens that can be used when a patient requires cataract surgery. Below is an explanation of the different lens available.

• Monofocal IOLs   -   provide a single focus when you are not wearing glasses. Vision can be set for good near vision or good distance vision without glasses, but not both.
• Multifocal IOLs   -   have several rings of different power. The part of the lens (ring) you look through will determine if you see clearly at a far, near or intermediate distance. Multifocal IOLs may not eliminate your need for glasses or contacts, but will reduce your dependence on them.
• Accommodative IOLs -  do not use rings of varying powers to achieve good vision at all distances. Instead, the IOL is hinged to work in coordination withthe eye muscle.The design allows the accommodative lens to move forward as the eye focuses on near objects, and move backward as it focuses on distant objects. These lens also reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts.
• Toric IOLs   -   are nonofocal IOLs specially designed to correct astigmatism that would usually be corrected by eyeglasses. They will not entirely eliminate the need for eyeglasses. However, people with astigmatism who have toric IOLs should be able to see better without eyeglasses than if they had a traditional IOL instead.

You will need to speak to our surgical coordinator for further information. Some of the lens described above are not covered by insurance companies.