Monofocal or Multifocal IOL: Which Is Right for My Cataract Surgery?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on January 29, 2021

Ready to clear the dull, blurry vision and enjoy crisp, clear vision once again? When planning for cataract surgery, consider the benefits different types of intraocular lens (IOL) implant options available to you. These biocompatible, surgical-grade implantable lenses offer dramatic results for those who are ready to clear the blur that comes from cataracts.

In the interest of keeping things simple, we’ll discuss the two primary classes of IOLs: monofocal IOL and multifocal IOL. This overview should give you some idea of which option may be right for you.

Basic Monofocal IOLs

Basic Monofocal IOLs are what’s called a “fixed” focal distance lens, which means they are created to correct vision for near, intermediate or far focus. 

Benefits of Basic Monofocal Lens

• Often partially or fully covered by insurance
• It may be possible to combine reading lens with distance lens
• Strong choice for night driving

Drawbacks of Monofocal Lens

• Cannot provide clear focus for multiple distances 
• Readers/bifocals are typically required for most daily activities

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs provide the patient with a combination of focal points (from among near, midrange and distance vision) within each lens for better overall vision. 

Benefits of Multifocal Lens

• Improves vision at a variety of distances
• Can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses for most daily activities
• Most closely mimics the way your eyes functioned in your youth 

Drawbacks of Multifocal Lens

• Side effects can include night halos and glares
• Often not covered by insurance, so they require an additional investment

Which IOL should I choose: monofocal or multifocal lens?

The best lens implant for you will depend on how you want vision correction to improve your quality of life. If you’re an avid golfer, enjoy reading, are generally active, spend time on the computer or tablet, or enjoy artful hobbies, a multifocal IOL is often an ideal choice. Rather than constantly depending on reading glasses or bifocals, the multifocal IOL can reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear for many of these types of activities.

In some cases, a combination of implantable lenses is ideal, such as a monofocal IOL focused for distance and one multifocal lens for everything else. Your eye surgeon will ask you about your work, lifestyle and vision goals to help you arrive at a treatment that works best for you.

In determining the treatment plan that will give you the best vision results, your surgeon may also discuss with you several subtypes of implantable contact lenses to further customize your treatment:

Accommodating IOL is designed for clear near vision, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.

Conventional Spherical IOL can be customized to tailor visual acuity to a single focal point, near or far. That means the patient can have lenses focused for reading so they can reduce the need for reading glasses, or they can choose to focus them for distance instead. 

Aspheric IOL closely matches the natural lens shape to provide excellent vision correction in low light and for patients with larger pupils.

Toric IOL offers focus in different areas of the lens and is appropriate to treat astigmatism or nearsightedness. 

Clearly, there is much to consider when deciding which vision correction procedure is right for you. To set yourself up for success, spend some time thinking about what aspects of your life are most important to you and how better vision can enhance your enjoyment of them. Make a list of questions to bring to your cataract evaluation at Missouri Eye Institute. This will help your surgeon deliver to you the best possible visual outcome.
Missouri Eye Institute offers advanced technologies and affordable payment options for cataract surgery to help restore crisp, clear vision. Visit our website to request a consultation, or call (800) 383-3831 now.