Multifocal IOL (Design 2)

For patients who undergo cataract surgery or clear lens exchange, these are the newest technology of intraocular implants. These lenses can provide distance, intermediate, and near vision without glasses. The technique for placing these lenses in the eye first involves gently removing the natural lens of the eye similar to cataract surgery and clear lens exchange. These lenses can offer the best available range of vision but a consultation with your surgeon is paramount. Not everyone is eligible for this technology. A thorough discussion of your visual demands, proper expectations, as well as risks and alternative will determine your eligibility.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Preserve or increase your range of vision (distance, intermediate, and near)
• An alternative for patients who are not eligible for laser surgery
• Corrects high myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) that is out of the range of laser surgery and phakic IOLs.
• You will no longer develop a cataract as the lens has been removed and replaced by a clear implant
• Minimal postoperative discomfort

Cons:

• Not everyone is eligible for this technology. A thorough discussion with your surgeon is necessary
• May not completely rid of your glasses. May need some readers for small print and/or dim lighting conditions
• Glare and halos
• Optimal vision for distance and near may require BOTH eyes to be implanted
• Adjustment to these lenses may take 6 months to a year
• More invasive than laser refractive surgery. This procedure is done in the operating room with topical and/or general anesthesia
• More difficult to remove than phakic IOLs

Risks: Same as Phakic IOLs

Watch a Video on Multifocal IOL