Why Lens Choice Matters
Your intraocular lens shapes how you see for decades after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. The goal is to match optics to how you live—distance driving, screen work, handcrafts, or night shifts—while controlling glare and contrast.
Core Lens Categories
- Monofocal: Optimized for one focal point, usually distance. Readers are used for near tasks. Crisp contrast and minimal halos.
- Toric: Adds built-in astigmatism correction to monofocal, EDOF, or multifocal designs. Stability and alignment are critical for best results.
- Extended depth of focus (EDOF): Stretches a single focus to cover distance through arm’s length with fewer halos than multifocals.
- Multifocal/Trifocal: Multiple focal zones to reduce glasses for near and intermediate work. Best for healthy ocular surfaces and predictable pupil response.
Selecting the Right Match
- Lifestyle mapping: We review work, hobbies, and night driving patterns to set priorities.
- Diagnostic fit: Corneal topography, tear-film quality, and pupil size help us decide which optics are safe and stable.
- Glare tolerance: If halos or starbursts would be unacceptable, EDOF or monofocal targets may be preferred.
- Astigmatism strategy: Toric power is built into the chosen design so you do not rely on glasses to sharpen distance vision.
Real-World Pairings We Commonly Recommend
- Distance driver + screens: EDOF in both eyes or EDOF plus a slight near target in one eye.
- Avid reader or craftsperson: Trifocal lenses with meticulous dry eye treatment and counseling about night halos.
- Frequent night driving: Monofocal or toric distance targets to maximize contrast, with planned readers for close tasks.
- High astigmatism: Toric versions across lens families to stabilize clarity without extra incisions.
What to Discuss With Your Surgeon
- How your job and hobbies rank distance vs. near tasks.
- Whether you can accept some halos or prefer the cleanest contrast possible.
- How astigmatism and presbyopia will be addressed in one plan.
- The drop schedule, follow-up timing, and options for fine-tuning if you want even less dependence on glasses.