Monofocal, EDOF or trifocal — which lens to choose before cataract surgery or RLE?

During cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE) the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is a decision for life — an implanted lens is usually never exchanged. That is why the choice of its type is as important as the operation itself. We explain how the three main types of lens differ and who each of them suits best.

The monofocal lens — the proven classic

A monofocal lens provides sharp vision at one distance — most often far. This means very good quality of vision when driving, watching television or walking, but glasses will be needed for reading and computer work.

Advantages:

• the highest image quality and contrast at the chosen distance,
• no side effects such as halos around lights at night,
• a proven design, suitable even with coexisting eye disease,
• the lowest price.

Who is it for? People who do not mind reading glasses, and patients with retinal disease or glaucoma, in whom light-splitting lenses are not advisable.

The EDOF lens — sharp from far to intermediate

EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) is a newer technology which, instead of several separate focal points, creates one elongated focus. The effect: smooth, sharp vision from far to intermediate distances — the computer, the dashboard, shop shelves, a phone held at a natural distance.

Advantages:

• very good far and intermediate vision,
• far fewer light phenomena at night than with trifocal lenses,
• gentle adaptation of the brain to the new vision.

Limitation: for prolonged reading of small print some patients still reach for weak glasses.

Who is it for? Active people who work a lot on the computer and drive at night, and who accept occasional glasses for small print.

The trifocal lens — maximum independence from glasses

A trifocal lens has three focal points: far, intermediate and near. It is the solution that gives the greatest chance of freeing yourself completely from glasses — from reading a book, through the computer, to driving a car.

Advantages:

• sharp vision at all distances,
• over 90% of patients do not use glasses at all.

Limitations:

• possible halos and glare around light sources at night (in most patients these diminish within a few months — the brain learns to ignore them),
• requires a healthy retina and a normal ocular surface — not every patient qualifies.

Who is it for? People who value a life without glasses most and who will accept a period of adaptation.

What about astigmatism? Toric lenses

Each of the above types has a toric version, which additionally corrects corneal astigmatism. If astigmatism is not corrected, even the best lens will not give a sharp image — which is why precise measurement of the cornea before surgery is so important.

How is the lens chosen at OKUMED?

There is no single “best” lens — there is the best lens for a particular eye and lifestyle. At our clinic in Gdynia the choice is preceded by a consultation with advanced optical biometry and analysis of corneal aberrations and topography. On this basis we choose the implant together with the patient — taking into account work, hobbies, night driving and the health of the eye.

The operating surgeon performs more than 1,000 cataract and RLE procedures a year, which translates into safety and predictable results.

Book a qualification consultation at OKUMED — Świętojańska 135/2, Gdynia, phone +48 882 650 299 or via ZnanyLekarz.

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This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.