An Important Choice

During cataract surgery, your physician will replace your natural lens with an IOL. Today there are multiple types of IOLs, each delivering a different performance profile based on how the lens is designed. Here are the basics about the three main types of IOLs:

Standard Monofocal IOLs

A standard monofocal IOL is a fixed lens (it doesn't move) that is designed to deliver improved vision at just one distance (usually far). The potential drawback is that after surgery, you will probably need to wear glasses for near and intermediate vision, even if you didn't wear glasses before surgery.

Multifocal IOLs

A multifocal lens uses multiple visual zones that are built into the lens itself to provide vision at various distances. It's almost like the rings of a target, with some rings being dedicated to distance vision, while others are used for near vision, similar to having a bifocal or trifocal lens inside the eye. A multifocal IOL projects multiple images, requiring your brain to adjust to the differences. Some patients have difficulty adjusting to seeing this way. Additionally, intermediate vision (at arms length) can be compromised because the technology is designed mainly for near and distance vision, at the exclusion of intermediate vision. With multifocal IOLs, patients can have potential issues of glare and halos especially when driving at night.

Accommodating IOLs

As the name implies, an accommodating lens is designed to "flex" or "accommodate" using the eyes natural muscles to focus on subjects at various distances, delivering a fuller, more natural range of vision. Crystalens® is the one and only FDA-approved accommodating lens available in the United States. Many patients hardly if ever wear glasses after surgery. More than twice the number of patients implanted with Crystalens could see at all distances compared to a standard IOL.