Modern cataract surgery is a very quick procedure. Today’s cataract surgery patients have many options when it comes to which lens they choose. Depending of the patient’s individual lifestyle needs, there are many types of lenses that may be best for cataract surgery.

Monofocal IOL’s are currently the standard lenses used in cataract surgery. A monofocal lens is a lens that has a single viewing distance. Monofocal lenses typically require the use of glasses for either distance or close up vision. Typically patients that choose a monofocal lens will have both lenses set to the same range (usually distance) and then are prescribed glasses for reading. Sometimes, surgeons and patients choose to put a near vision lens in one eye and a distance viewing lens in the other eye. This can help reduce the need for glasses after surgery because the patient can view distance through one eye and read with the other. This is not desirable for most patients. It is often very hard to adapt to this situation.

Multifocal IOL’s are a new type of lens aimed at reducing the need for glasses while allowing patients to have the same lens in both eyes. Multifocal lenses have different regions or zones that allow for both near and distance viewing.

Multifocal lenses are considered “premium lenses” because they cost an extra amount paid for by the patient out of pocket. Some premium lenses can cost up to $2500 each.

The choice between multifocal and monofocal lenses is often made out of cost concerns. Many people are willing to pay out of pocket for the chance at not needing glasses after cataract surgery. There is no guarantee with these lenses, but they do offer patients a new hope.

The cataract surgery itself is virtually the same with either type of lens. Multifocal lenses do sometimes require a little bit more time to adapt to, but patients are often very happy with results once their eyes (and brain) adjust to the new lenses.

Multifocal lenses will soon be the standard lenses used in cataract surgery as more patients realize the benefits of having these new lenses.