Eye doctors perform cataract surgery by removing the eye’s clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens that restores vision. The artificial lens can also correct other vision problems, which in some cases reduces the need for glasses. Before surgery, patients may be presented with several types of lenses, each with different benefits.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. They contain zones that split incoming light into multiple focal points. This division allows the brain to process images at varying distances without the need for glasses. Some patients notice halos or glare around lights in the weeks following cataract surgery, but the eyes typically adapt over time.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses correct vision in patients with astigmatism, a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Unlike standard spherical lenses, toric lenses have a torus-shaped curve that directs light more accurately onto the retina. This correction reduces visual distortions and provides sharper vision. During surgery, doctors select and align toric lenses based on the patient’s eye measurements. Because toric lenses correct astigmatism, patients often do not need additional corneal reshaping surgery. These lenses also reduce reliance on glasses for daily tasks.
Extended Depth of Focus Lenses
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses extend the depth of focus by creating a single elongated focal point. This design allows patients to see both intermediate and distant objects with clarity. The extended focal length also reduces side effects such as glare and halos, often resulting in a smoother recovery compared to multifocal lenses.
EDOF lenses support enhanced night vision and maintain contrast sensitivity in various lighting conditions, benefiting patients in dim environments. They are also useful for individuals with presbyopia, an age-related condition that reduces the ability to focus on near objects. Patients who have previously undergone LASIK surgery may also find EDOF lenses suitable.
Monofocal Lenses
Monofocal lenses are a simple solution that correct an individual’s vision at a single distance point. Patients can choose a lens that allows them to focus either near or far and use glasses to see objects outside the specified visual distance. Patients getting cataract surgery on both eyes can choose to have a close focal point set on one lens and a distant focal point for the other. Monofocal lenses can be more widely used because they provide sharp vision with fewer side effects, such as glare. These lenses also remain an option for patients with close-up vision issues, also known as presbyopia.
Enjoy Visual Improvement After Cataract Surgery
Lens selection plays a significant role in the outcome of cataract surgery. Each lens type offers specific benefits suited to different vision needs and lifestyles. Before recommending an option, specialists conduct a detailed examination of the eye’s health. They also review the patient’s daily activities, such as reading, driving, or working at a computer, to determine which lens design offers the most functional improvement. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today to learn more about your lens options before cataract surgery.
