Intraocular Lenses

Monofocal intraocular lenses are the most commonly used implants in cataract treatment.

They have one focal point and can maximally improve sight at one distance: far, intermediate or near. For the remaining distances, the patient may still need to use eyeglasses. Most patients choose to have a distance focus for both eyes, and perform the following tasks without eyeglasses:

EDoF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOLs use an optical technology that enable vision ranging from far to intermediate distances, such as a computer monitor.

For close-up activities, such as reading fine print and precision work, patients implanted with EDoF lenses may need to wear reading glasses. The distance vision with an EDoF IOL is somewhat reduced when compared with a monofocal IOL, and patients will notice some glare or haloes at night.

Recently available trifocal IOLs, have multiple focal points to provide vision for near, intermediate, and far distances.

They enable patients leading an active life, and wishing to do without visual aids, a high degree of independence of eyeglasses.

Trifocal IOLs allow you to perform a range of activities in everyday life without eyeglasses, including reading, working on a computer, seeing your smartphone and driving. Trifocal IOLs reduce the overall clarity of vision though and cause patients to notice glare and haloes around lights. As a result, driving at night can be difficult. These IOLs are not suitable for patients with other eye conditions, such as macular degeneration. Some patients with trifocal IOLs will require a second refractive procedure to optimise the power of the eye.

Toric IOLs are a special type of intraocular lens that can be implanted for patients with corneal astigmatism – a refractive error which often occurs along with near- or farsightedness.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea at the front of the eye has an irregular (slightly oval) shape. It causes objects at different distances to appear skewed or distorted. It is common at any age. Toric IOLs correct the distorted light rays passing through the irregularly shaped cornea, focusing them onto the retina to reduce astigmatism while treating cataracts at the same time. Monofocal, EDoF and Trifocal IOLs are made with Toric versions.