Cataract surgery is the removal of the eye’s natural lens and the replacement with an artificial lens, or IOL. IOL stands for Intra Ocular Lens.

There are many types of cataract IOL’s, ranging from the standard “monofocal” lens to the newest dual optic accommodating lenses.

The standard IOL is a monofocal lens. This means that the lens is able to refract to a single distance. There are two options patients have when presented with the monofocal lens option. First, patients may receive two of the same monofocal lens and will therefore only be able to see clearly at a single distance (near, intermediate or far). This means that patients that choose this option will require glasses to see at other distances.

The second option with monofocal lenses (IOL’s) is to have one lens for distance and the other for near. This can eliminate the dependence on glasses, but some patients have a very difficult time adjusting to this situation. They are left with the ability to see distance through one eye and near through the other.

The next generation of IOL’s, after monofocal lenses, are called “multifocal” IOL’s. Multifocal lenses, like there name would suggest, can help patients focus at multiple distances. This is achieved by having multiple zones on the lens that refract to various distances. Much like bifocal glasses, patients with multifocal lenses can often see at multiple distances. Multifocal lenses, unlike monofocal lenses, are typically not covered by insurance or Medicare, and therefore require a payment from the patient of up to $2500 a lens.

The newest type of lens, even more advanced than multifocal lenses, are called “accommodating IOL’s.” Accommodating lenses are lenses that can move or bend within the eye to allow the lens to change shape. When the lens changes shape, it refracts differently, which usually allows for vision at all distances.

With any cataract surgery IOL, there is never a guarantee that glasses will not be needed after surgery. Even by paying out of pocket for a new “premium IOL” does not guarantee patients will be happy with the outcome.

Patients are encouraged to research the new lenses and to discuss all lifestyle needs with their surgeon. Only a trained cataract surgeon can decide which lens is best for each individual case.