Multifocal IOL lens (also called) Presbyopic Correcting Lens

Presbyopia is a condition that most people over the age of 40 experience that results in difficulty seeing up close without the aid of bifocals, trifocals, or reading glasses (or in the case of myopic, near-sighted people, poor reading vision unless they take off their glasses or contacts). This age-related condition is due to a hardening of the lens inside the eye, making it difficult for the eye’s muscles to change the shape of the lens & produce a change in focus.

Over time, the lens becomes cloudy and develops into a cataract. It is said that, if we live long enough, everyone will develop cataracts. The only way to treat cataracts is to remove and replace them with an Intraocular Lens (IOL).

Until recently, the primary option was to receive a “fixed focus” IOL. Patients who received this type of IOL typically had both eyes corrected for distance vision but usually still required glasses for intermediate and near vision.

If you are experiencing presbyopia or cataracts, you may be a candidate for one of the new technologically-advanced lifestyle IOLs that can provide a full range of vision. This means that you can read and see clearly in the distance and at near and at most distances in-between, with little or no dependence on bifocals, trifocals, or contact lenses. It’s almost like having a bifocal or progressive lens inside your eye instead of bifocals resting on your nose.

Depending on the technological features of these IOLs, they may be described as “Accommodating IOLs,” “Apodized-diffractive IOLs,” or “Multifocal IOLs.” Each of these lenses has some advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for you depends on the unique characteristics of your eye as well as your life-style needs. You and your doctor will decide together which lens is more advantageous for you.