Standard lenses for cataract surgery
So-called ‘monofocal lenses’ can provide excellent outcomes following cataract surgery.
Typically a lens is selected aiming to provide good long distance vision (assuming no other significant eye problems) without the need for glasses. Glasses will usually be required for intermediate distance vision (e.g. looking at a computer screen) or near vision such as reading a book.
Standard toric lenses for cataract surgery
Some patients have significant corneal astigmatism. This means the curvature of the eyeball is significantly steeper in one meridian compared to a meridian 90 degrees away – i.e. the eyeball is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. In these eyes, a ‘toric’ lens may be implanted at the time of cataract surgery, which reduces the astigmatism allowing the patient to be less dependent on spectacles for distance vision. As above, selecting a toric lens aiming for unaided vision in the distance means there will still be a requirement for spectacles for near and intermediate vision.
Multi-focal and enhanced monofocal lenses for cataract surgery
Implanting a premium lens during can reduce the dependency on glasses after surgery. Traditional multi-focal lenses can allow good unaided vision across a range of distances but with a small risk of intolerance due to glare and problems with night vision.
Enhanced monofocal lenses can provide good unaided vision for long distance and intermediate vision with a much lower risk of glare and night vision problems.