Monofocal
Distance
Main focus
Computer
Glasses usually needed
Reading
Glasses usually needed
Trade-off One main focal distance; generally fewer lens-related halos than multifocal designs.
Intraocular
lens options.
An intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial lens implant, replaces the natural lens during cataract surgery. The right choice balances your eye health, daily activities and comfort with the trade-offs.
LENSES & EVERYDAY TASKS
Where will I need glasses?
A general guide when lenses are planned primarily for distance. This is not a prediction of your personal vision. Near targets and monovision change the comparison.
DistanceOutdoors & television
IntermediateComputer & kitchen tasks
NearReading & small print
Enhanced monofocal
Distance
Main focus
Computer
Some extra range; glasses may be needed
Reading
Glasses usually needed
Trade-off Modest extra range varies by lens and person.
Extended depth of focus
Distance
Designed for distance
Computer
Designed for intermediate range
Reading
Glasses commonly needed for fine print
Trade-off Halos, glare and contrast effects vary with the lens design.
Multifocal / trifocal
Distance
Designed for distance
Computer
Designed for intermediate range
Reading
Designed for near; glasses may still help
Trade-off Greater potential to reduce glasses use, with more risk of halos, glare and reduced contrast.
All lens types may still need glasses. Eye health, remaining focusing error, astigmatism, lighting and the exact lens design affect the result. Toric correction addresses astigmatism and can be available across these lens families.
Understand the lens families.
Compare the broad principles. Your surgeon will explain the specific lenses suitable for you.
Select a button below to read about each lens type.
Monofocal
A clear focus at one main distance.
Often chosen for distance vision, with glasses for reading and other tasks. Can also be targeted for near vision.
What to consider
A practical option when image quality and predictable focusing are priorities.
Enhanced monofocal
Distance vision with some extra range.
May provide more intermediate range (such as computer distance) than a standard monofocal. Reading glasses are usually still needed.
What to consider
The degree of extra range varies between lenses and between people.
Extended depth of focus
A broader range for everyday vision.
Designed to extend focus, particularly from distance to intermediate activities such as computer work. Fine reading commonly still needs glasses.
What to consider
Halos (rings around lights), glare and contrast effects vary by design; suitability depends on eye health.
Multifocal / trifocal
More than one focal distance.
Can reduce the need for glasses across distance, intermediate and near tasks.
What to consider
Halos (rings around lights), glare and reduced contrast can be more noticeable. Not suitable for every eye or lifestyle.
Toric lenses & astigmatism
Toric lenses correct astigmatism caused by an uneven curve of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). They are available in several lens families. “Toric” describes astigmatism correction, rather than the range of focus. Measurements determine whether this is appropriate.
Monovision is a focusing strategy
One eye is targeted more for distance and the other more for near. This can reduce reliance on glasses for some people, but may affect depth perception or visual comfort. It is a strategy rather than a separate lens type, and is not right for everyone.
Your retina matters
Macular disease, glaucoma, an irregular shape or surface of the cornea and other eye conditions may limit lens choices or the expected result. A careful examination is important before choosing a lens that extends the range of focus.
We will discuss your priorities, examination findings, likely need for glasses and any additional lens costs before a decision.
Questions to discuss at your consultation.
- Which activities would I most like to do without glasses?
- How important is comfortable night driving to me?
- Does my retina or another eye condition affect my options?
- What are the likely trade-offs and additional costs?
No implant guarantees a particular visual result or complete freedom from glasses.
Discuss your options ↗