TYPES OF IOLs
During cataract surgery or Clear Lens Exchange(CLE), the patient's natural lenses are replaced with Intraocular Lenses (IOLs).
Before your procedure, your doctor will discuss with you the lens options. The most common lenses used are : Monofocal, multifocal and EDOF (extended depth of focus), and the choice of lens depends on the type of your daily activity.
If your daily activity requires more concentration on near objects, the doctor might recommend multifocal or EDOF lenses. If your daily activity requires focusing on distant objects (like driving ), the doctor might recommend monofocal lenses. ​
To differentiate some types of activities by range of vision:​​​​​
NEAR
Reading , using tablets and mobile phones
INTERMEDIATE
Watching TV, Cooking, Using a computer
FAR
Driving , playing sports
MONOFOCAL LENSES
Monofocal lenses will give you clear vision at one distance, most commonly far distance. Once monofocal lenses are used, you will still need to wear reading glasses after the procedure.
EDOF LENSES
EXTENDED depth of focus lenses will enable you to adequately see clear intermediate and far vision, with limited glares or halos around light. You might still need reading glasses for seeing and reading very close items.
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Tip : You can hold the object further away from you ( phone or table or book .. ) to see it clearer without reading glasses. Alternatively you can also increase the font size on your phone or tablet.
MULTIFOCAL LENSES
MULTIFOCAL IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are used to correct near, intermediate, and far distance vision. Multifocal IOLs are usually used in CLE, a procedure that can treat Presbyopia and can be done before developing cataract.
Multifocal IOLs can expand your range of vision, so you will no longer be dependent on reading / progressive glasses and lenses.
Such IOLs might cause some glares and halos around light.
OTHER SPECIAL LENSES
Other special lenses are available such as Toric lenses , which also provide correction for astigmatism. Toric lenses can be monofocal toric or even special multifocal toric lenses.