Multifocal & Toric IOLs

For Cataract and Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that’s implanted during cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange surgery. Traditionally, monofocal IOLs were used for these procedures. However, people still need glasses to correct for near vision, and glasses or additional surgery to correct any existing astigmatism.

Recent advances have been so significant that new-generation IOLs could allow you to see well at all distances without the help of glasses, bifocals, or reading glasses. There are three primary types of IOLs available for cataract and Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery:

Monofocal Lenses

These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at only one depth - usually distance. While distance vision is improved, most patients still need to wear glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or working at a computer.

Multifocal Lenses

These lenses are designed to provide a full range of vision, allowing you to see objects far away and up close. The ReSTOR and ReZoom IOLs are multifocal lens implants. These IOLs are ideal for people with nearsightedness or farsightedness in addition to presbyopia (loss of reading vision). This lens design allows for clear distance vision (watching children playing the backyard), near vision (reading), and intermediate vision (computer work). You may therefore be more independent of glasses for daily tasks after having cataract or a Refractive Lens Exchange surgery with a multifocal lens.

Toric Lenses

These lenses are designed to correct existing astigmatism. Similar to monofocal lenses, toric lenses usually give patients quality distance vision with less dependence on glasses. Most patients will still need to wear glasses for tasks such as reading or working at a computer. We will review your options and explain what you can expect from each one.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

This is a non-laser corrective procedure in which the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. This procedure is for people with moderate to high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness. Refractive Lens Exchange is a permanent and maintenance-free vision correction option with a quick visual recovery time. The outcome of the surgery is predictable; plus, it eliminates the need for future cataract surgery and preserves the central cornea.