Multifocal & Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses

Monofocal intraocular lenses

Monofocal IOLs are the most common type of lens implanted. They have a single corrective power (focal point) and are designed to provide clear vision for one distance, usually far.

Patients with monofocal IOLs will continue to need glasses for activities at other distances, such as reading or using the computer.

Monofocal IOLs of different powers can be implanted in each eye so that one eye (typically the dominant eye) is corrected for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. This is known as monovision, and it helps to increase your spread of focus (far and near) and reduce your dependence on glasses for close work.

Multifocal (trifocal) intraocular lenses

Multifocal IOLs provide additional focus points, allowing you to see clearly at different distances and enjoy greater freedom from glasses. Multifocal IOLs are designed to project multiple images onto the retina, which the brain merges into one single image, allowing you to see objects clearly at various distances – similar to varifocal or progressive spectacle lenses.

Trifocal IOLs are designed to not only enable clear distance vision and a comfortable reading distance, but also good intermediate vision, which is essential for performing daily activities such as computer work or seeing your car dashboard. As a result, many patients with trifocal lenses do not need to wear glasses.

However, the potential downside of trifocal IOLs is that this increased spread of focus comes at an expense of image quality and other optical side effects such as glares and haloes, particularly at night. Some patients are more sensitive than others to these light phenomena. Multifocal IOLs may not be suitable for you if you have very precise visual requirements or if for example, you perform a lot of night driving. At your consultation, Dr Goh will carefully assess your suitability for a premium trifocal IOL.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) intraocular lenses

Extended depth of focus (EDoF) IOLs are the latest innovation in advanced multifocal lens technology. EDoF IOLs allow you to see clearly from intermediate to far distances while reducing the visual side effects typically associated with trifocal IOLs. They combine the benefits of both monofocal and multifocal IOLs, providing a balance between freedom from glasses and fewer side effects.

EDoF IOLs provide sharp vision over a wide range of distances from intermediate (arm’s length) to far, enabling you to perform most daily activities without glasses, such as sports, shopping, cooking, cleaning, watching TV, working on the computer, or driving. Hence, most daily tasks become easier and more enjoyable.

EDoF IOLs are ideal for those wishing to maintain an active lifestyle as most daily activities can be performed without glasses, except for reading and doing fine precision work when reading glasses may be needed.

EDoF IOLs can also be combined with monovision to further improve your reading vision. This allows you to achieve greater spectacle independence with fewer side effects.

Toric intraocular lenses

Toric IOLs are designed to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Patients with astigmatism undergoing cataract surgery can have a custom toric lens inserted to correct their basic refractive error plus their astigmatism. Toric IOLs are available in monofocal and mutifocal optic designs.