Q: What is a multifocal lens?
Traditional monofocal lenses, including lens implants, focus light to only one point in space. A multifocal lens has more than one point of focus. A bifocal, which is a type of multifocal, has two points of focus, one at distance and the other at near.
Q: What is the benefit of a multifocal lens implant?
A multifocal lens implant focuses light from distance and near simultaneously. This feature addresses both distant and near vision and makes the recipient less dependent on glasses or contact lenses.
Q: Is a multifocal lens similar to the natural lens of the eye?
No. The natural lens of a young person changes shape to produce a change in focus. As a person ages, the natural lens becomes more rigid and functions more like a monofocal lens. Lens implants do not change shape. A multifocal lens compensates for the eyes inability to change shape by allowing the eye to see at distance and near simultaneously through the same optic.
Q: What are the different multifocal lenses now available?
There are two different types of multifocal lenses currently available: the diffractive multifocal IOL (e.g. ReSTOR® lens by Alcon Laboratories) and tecnis IOLS . Each of these lenses provides both distance and near vision but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the diffractive multifocal IOL?
The diffractive multifocal lens implant provides excellent reading vision and very good distance vision. The intermediate vision is acceptable but some patients who do lots of computer work find they need to sit closer to the computer, make the font size larger on the screen, or get a pair of intermediate vision spectacles to make intermediate work more comfortable. In addition, 25% of patients note glare and haloes around lights at night with the diffractive multifocal IOL, a feature that is inherent to multifocal lenses. These effects may interfere with your ability to drive comfortably at night. However, most patients find that they get used to this phenomenon with time and the glare and haloes become less obvious. Night driving spectacles may assist in reducing this phenomenon. You should know that approximately 7-8% of patients implanted with monofocal lenses also notice glare and halos.
Q: Are there any alternatives to multifocal lenses?
The primary alternative to multifocal lens implantation is monofocal lens implantation. If you request a monofocal lens, you will have to decide whether you want distance vision lens implants in both eyes or whether you want a distance vision implant in one eye and a near vision implant in the other eye. This latter arrangement, called monovision, provides adequate distance and near vision and is best suited for patients who have tried monovision in contacts previously and like the effect. Another alternative to a multifocal lens is the accommodative lens implant. Please see the accommodative IOL section for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these lenses.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects to multifocal lens implant surgery?
Implantation of a multifocal lens is associated with all the risks and side effects of cataract surgery. These will be explained separately by your doctor.
Q: Will I see 20/20 after surgery?
We hope so, but we can’t guarantee it. You are paying for the service and the implant, not a guaranteed result. If the eye is otherwise healthy, the vast majority of patients can achieve 20/20 vision with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK, PRK, CK).
Q: Will I need glasses after surgery?
If you opt to receive a monofocal lens implanted in both eyes for distance vision, you will definitely need reading glasses after surgery. If you receive a multifocal lens there is a good chance you won t need glasses. 80% of patients implanted with the diffractive and refractive lenses in their respective FDA clinical trials did not need glasses after surgery for distance or near vision. Of course, not every patient in the trial was spectacle independent. The odds of becoming free of spectacles are better if your corneal astigmatism is low and your eyes are healthy.
Q: Is a multifocal lens recommended for every patient?
No. It is recommended for most patients, but not for patients who have problems with their retina (e.g. significant macular degeneration, epiretinal membrane macular pucker, macular holes, significant diabetic retinopathy, history of severe retinal detachment, retinal dystrophies or degenerations, retinal vascular occlusions), advanced glaucoma affecting central vision, irregular corneal astigmatism, corneal scarring, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies or optic neuropathy. Patients with a history of corneal refractive surgery (CK, RK, PRK, LASIK, etc.) may require additional refractive surgery following implantation of a multifocal lens to optimize its performance. In addition, your doctor will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a multifocal lens as it pertains to your individual lifestyle and expectations. Patients with unrealistic expectations may not be appropriate for multifocal lenses.
Q: What if I don’t see 20/20 without glasses after surgery?
We will prescribe glasses to optimize your vision. You may also elect to wear contact lenses. If you want to improve your unaided vision further, we will offer you discounted refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK, PRK, CK). Only if there is a significant error in lens power calculation will we consider a lens implant exchange.
Q: Why doesn’t insurance (or Medicare) pay for a multifocal lens?
These entities pay for surgery and devices that restore functional vision. They will not pay for services that reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While Medicare and insurance will cover the cost of a standard lens implant, they will not pay for the portion of a deluxe implant that imparts multifocality.
Q: Can I have a multifocal lens implanted later if I decide to have a monofocal lens implanted now?
No. The decision needs to be made prior to cataract surgery.
Q: Must I pay the Astigmatism Management charge if I receive a multifocal lens?
Yes. The Astigmatism Management fee must be paid; otherwise, a multifocal lens cannot be implanted. It is very important that we measure and correct your corneal astigmatism when we implant a multifocal lens. If you do not wish to pay the Astigmatism Management fee, you still have the option of receiving a monofocal implant. Please see the Astigmatism Management section for FAQs.
Q: Can I be implanted with a multifocal lens in one eye only?
Yes you can, as long as your other eye has a clear natural lens or an early cataract. If your other eye already has a monofocal implant, you may not realize the full benefit of the multifocal lens implant.
Q: Will I need multifocal lenses in both eyes?
It is our current feeling that a multifocal lens should be implanted in both eyes ultimately to realize the full benefit of the technology. There are currently no studies demonstrating the advantages or disadvantages of combining accommodative, multifocal or monofocal lenses when surgery is performed in both eyes.
Q: Will it take longer for my eye to recover from surgery?
Recovery from cataract surgery is the same whether you receive a monofocal lens or a multifocal lens. The number of appointments before and after surgery is also the same. The brain must adjust, however, to the new optical system created with the multifocal lens. This neural adaptation takes from weeks to months to occur. Patients typically notice that they become less aware of their vision as this neural adaptation takes place.