Are there different types of intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery can be a great opportunity to remove or reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. After removing your cloudy natural lens, a new, typically plastic, intraocular lens is inserted in its place to refocus your eye. Intraocular lenses can be grouped into three categories.

  • These lenses are similar to the lenses used in the NHS. They focus the eye at a single distance. Most people opt for distance vision but some may prefer computer or reading vision. Similar to the other categories these lenses are available in toric varieties, to also correct any astigmatism.

  • These lenses use special technology to increase your depth of focus. This typically means you are able to see in the distance and also use a computer or tablet without glasses or contact lenses. You are likely to still need reading glasses for anything smaller.

    These lenses also get called Monofocal plus or Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses.

  • These lenses aim to remove your need for contact lenses or glasses for everyday living. They use advanced technology to achieve this providing a full range of focus. These lenses are not suitable for all and so it is vitally important to have a comprehensive assessment to ensure they are right for you. Our assessments typically take a minimum of 90 minutes. During that time, we get to know you and perform a full range of advanced investigations looking at the health of your eyes and their optical suitability. At the end of this process, we will advise your suitability.

    These lenses are also called multifocal and trifocal intraocular lenses.

Comparison of intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery

Overview of your lens options
Standard monofocal
Extended range of focus (EROF)
Full range of focus (FROF)
Are these lenses suitable for everybody?
Are these lenses suitable for everybody? Feature is included. Almost Our extensive pre-operative testing will help guide your suitability.
Can they be used to correct astigmatism?
Can they be used to correct astigmatism? Feature is included. Feature is included. Feature is included.
Are they suitable for monovision? (One eye for distance, other for reading/computers)
Are they suitable for monovision? (One eye for distance, other for reading/computers) Feature is included. Feature is included. Not required - FROF lenses provide the greatest range of glasses independence.
Can they reduced my dependence on contact lenses or glasses?
Can they reduced my dependence on contact lenses or glasses? Only if using monovision Yes, they typically provide good distance and computer vision. With blended monovision this can be extended to also include reading. They provide the greatest range of glasses independence!
What is the risk of causing halos and glare?
What is the risk of causing halos and glare? Low Low Studies show <8% of people subjectively have issues with halos and glare at 12 months. If troubled, simple solutions can help such as yellow tinted glasses when night driving.
Are these lenses covered by my insurance company?
Are these lenses covered by my insurance company? Only non-astigmatism correcting Feature is not included. Feature is not included.
Which package do these fall into?
Which package do these fall into? Standard Enhanced Premium