A Multifocal lens, used during cataract surgery, is a new category of lens that aims to allow patients to see at multiple distances. In the past, cataract lenses were “monofocal” meaning that they only allowed patients to see at a single distance. This meant that in the past, people who underwent cataract surgery would be required to wear glasses after the surgery. Fortunately for today’s cataract patients, those days are beginning to change. Multifocal lenses have begun to change the game in a very serious way. Soon, multifocal (or Premium IOL’s) will be the new popular lenses used for cataract surgery.

Today, multifocal lenses are quickly becoming the preferred type of lens in cataract surgery. While most lenses do not promise 100% glasses independence, they do offer hope to those who want to be glasses free after cataract surgery. For patients interested in decreasing their dependence on reading glasses, these new lenses are a great opportunity.

Multifocal lenses are the equivalent of bifocal glasses (in concept). Like bifocal glasses, Multifocal lenses for cataract surgery have multiple viewing areas on the lens that allow for both distance and near vision. Each lens works a differently, but all have the same general goal: to relieve patients of having to wear glasses after cataract surgery.

When it comes to lens cost, patients should be aware that Medicare and most private insurances do not typically cover multifocal lenses. Often, the cataract surgery itself is covered by insurance, but in order to obtain a new multifocal lens patients will typically pay out of pocket. This pricing varies by lens, and by surgeon but is often not a trivial cost. Patients are encouraged to keep this in mind when considering a multifocal lens. Given that guaranties are hard to come by in this emerging field, it is up to each patient and surgeon to find the best lens at the best price. Often, people will determine that a pair of reading glasses isn’t that bad of a thing. Others will be willing to pay out of pocket for a multifocal lens to try to avoid reading glasses.