Monofocal Lens Implants

Choosing the right type of intraocular lenses (IOLs) to have implanted after cataract surgery can seem overwhelming. What’s the difference between a monofocal lens and a multifocal lens? What are the different types of cataract lenses and what are they meant to help treat? If you wind up not liking the lens you chose, can you change the lens after cataract surgery?

Cataract patients asking questions like these often find it helpful to both consult their ophthalmologist and to begin researching their options lens by lens. Here, we focus on the monofocal lens implant, it’s benefits, and what makes it different from other types IOLs.

To find the lens that’s right for you, schedule an appointment with Eye Center of Texas. Our doctors have years of experience helping each patient find the IOL that can lead to clearest, brightest vision.

What is a monofocal lens implant?

To understand the purpose of a monofocal lens implant, we need to back up for a moment and answer the question, “What is a cataract?” A cataract is the clouding of your eyes’ natural lenses. Cataracts are almost always formed as a natural part of the aging process, making cataract treatment fairly common and Houston cataract surgery one of the most frequently performed in the city.

During cataract surgery, a surgeon breaks up the cataract, removes the natural lens, and implants another lens. Monofocal lenses are the most common type of lens that cataract patients choose to replace the natural lens. A monofocal lens implant can provide near-perfect vision after cataract surgery, but only at one set distance: near, intermediate, or far.

Monofocal lens implant details

Most cataract patients opt for the “far distance” option for monofocal IOLs, even though they will continue to need glasses for reading and other activities affected by farsightedness and presbyopia (a hardening of the retina that makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects).

For this reason, some patients opt to have monofocal lenses set to correct for distances unique to each eye. In these instances, an intraocular lens is implanted in one eye to repair distance vision, and another intraocular lens will be inserted in the other eye to improve close-range vision. This option, called Monovision, does help reduce dependence on glasses but can take a while to get used to.

As is perhaps suggested by the term “monofocal” lens, there are such things as “multifocal” lenses. Multifocal IOLs, such as the ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens, do help reduce cataract patients’ potential dependence on glasses. However, patients that opt for this type of lens implant typically have a more difficult time seeing in low light or at night than those who choose monofocal IOLs.   

Eye Center of Texas: experience you can trust

Want more information on all the IOL options available to you? Curious about how to choose a cataract surgeon? Wondering can your eyes change after cataract surgery?

At Eye Center of Texas, we are committed to improving the vision of Houstonians and will work with you to answer these types of questions. Our years of experience combined with our advanced cataract surgical technology make us one of the best places to receive laser cataract surgery and lens replacement in Houston.

See your way to clearer vision. Contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online.

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