How do you want to see after cataract surgery?

The right intraocular lens can help support the moments that matter most to you.

Is clear distance vision your priority?

Imagine recognising faces from across the room, enjoying the scenery on holiday or feeling confident behind the wheel. Distance vision supports many of the moments that help us stay active and independent.

Why this matters?
If activities such as driving, walking, travelling or spending time outdoors are especially important to you, your eye care professional may recommend a lens that prioritises clear distance vision.

Lens option to discuss: Monofocal IOLs

Monofocal IOLs are designed to provide excellent vision at one chosen distance, most commonly for distance vision. Many people continue to wear reading glasses for close-up activities after surgery.

Would you like to feel more comfortable driving at night?

Imagine feeling confident behind the wheel as daylight fades, with comfortable vision helping you navigate roads, signs and changing light conditions.
Driving at night can be more visually demanding, particularly when facing bright headlights or streetlights.

Why this matters?
Good distance vision and managing visual disturbances such as glare and halos can be important for comfortable night driving. If driving after dark is an important part of your lifestyle, this is worth discussing when choosing your lens.

Lens option to discuss: Monofocal IOLs

Monofocal IOLs are designed to provide excellent vision at one distance, usually far away. They may be suitable if distance vision and good contrast in low light are important to you. Glasses are usually still needed for near and intermediate vision. 

Do you spend much of your day moving between screens and the world around you?

Imagine comfortably switching between your laptop, phone, colleagues or family without constantly changing your focus.
Whether you're working, browsing online, cooking from a recipe or watching television, many everyday activities rely on comfortable intermediate vision.

Why this matters?
Intermediate vision plays an important role in modern life. Choosing a lens that supports this viewing distance may help make everyday transitions feel more natural.

Lens option to discuss: Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) IOLs

EDoF IOLs are designed to provide a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate, with functional near vision for many everyday activities. Compared with multifocal IOLs, they are also designed to minimise visual disturbances such as halos and glare.

Would you like to rely less on glasses?

Imagine enjoying more of life's everyday moments without constantly reaching for your glasses. Whether you're spending time with family, shopping, travelling or enjoying your favourite hobbies, reducing your dependence on glasses could make everyday life feel simpler.

Why this matters?
Some intraocular lenses are designed to provide clear vision at more than one distance, helping many people rely less on glasses after cataract surgery. The right option depends on your eyes, your lifestyle and your vision goals.

Lens option to discuss: Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) and Multifocal IOLs

Both lens types are designed to reduce your dependence on glasses. Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances, while EDoF IOLs are designed to provide excellent distance and intermediate vision with functional near vision for many everyday tasks.

Would you like to enjoy a good book without reaching for your glasses?

Imagine enjoying more of life's everyday moments without constantly reaching for your glasses.
Whether you're spending time with family, shopping, travelling or enjoying your favourite hobbies, reducing your dependence on glasses could make everyday life feel simpler.

Why this matters?
Some intraocular lenses are designed to provide clear vision at more than one distance, helping many people rely less on glasses after cataract surgery. The right option depends on your eyes, your lifestyle and your vision goals.

Lens options to discuss:  Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances, helping many people reduce their dependence on reading glasses. As with any lens option, your eye care professional will help determine whether they are suitable for your eyes and your visual needs.

Have you been told you have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common condition that can cause blurred or distorted vision. It can often be corrected at the same time as cataract surgery.

Why this matters?
If you have astigmatism, correcting it during cataract surgery may improve your overall visual outcome and help you get the most from your chosen intraocular lens.

Lens option to discuss: Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism and are available in combination with monofocal, EDoF and multifocal lens designs. Take a moment to review your answers to the previous questions and decide which visual priorities best match your lifestyle this will help guide the discussion with your eye care professional.

Every person's eyes, lifestyle and vision goals are different.

Nobody sees like you. Your eye care professional will recommend an intraocular lens based on your eye health, detailed eye measurements, lifestyle and vision goals.

Together, you can choose a lens that supports the way you want to see after cataract surgery.

Compare intraocular lens options

Understand how different lens types support different vision needs.
Monofocal IOL
Monofocal
EDoF IOL
EDoF
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal

Near vision

✕

limited

✔

Intermediate vision

✕

✔

✔

Distance vision

✔

✔

✔

Corrects astigmatism*

✔

✔

✔

Freedom from glasses

✔ partial (many still need readers)

✔ partial

✔

Key benefits

Clear vision at on distance (glasses often still needed for near vision).

Clear intermediate and distance vision with reduced dependence on glasses.

Full range of vision with limited need for glasses, including presbyopia correction.

*Toric lenses correct astigmatism and are available as monofocal, EDoF or multifocal lenses.

Cataract surgery – Clearly Explained

From the first signs of cataracts to surgery and recovery, our video series breaks down complex topics into clear, straightforward explanations.
  • Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about

    Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about

  • What to expect from cataract surgery

    What to expect from cataract surgery

  • Understanding Cataracts

    Understanding Cataracts

  • Explore lens options and the questions to discuss with your eye doctor.
    Choosing the right lens for your vision – questions to think about
  • Learn how cataract surgery works, what to expect before, during and after the procedure, and how it can help restore clearer vision.
    What to expect from cataract surgery
  • Learn what cataracts are, why they develop, how they affect your vision, and when it may be time to speak with an eye care professional.
    Understanding Cataracts
Doctor and patient sitting at a desk in a medical office.

Questions to discuss with your eye care professional

Preparing for your consultation
  • Which activities are most important to me after surgery?
  • How much would I like to reduce my dependence on glasses?
  • Do I spend more time reading, using digital devices or driving?
  • Do I have astigmatism?
  • How important is it for me to minimise visual effects like glare and halos?
  • Which lens is best suited to my eyes and lifestyle?

Frequently asked questions

  • The artificial lens (IOL) placed during cataract surgery is designed to last a lifetime. Unlike your natural lens, it does not typically wear out or need to be replaced. Your eye and vision may continue to change over time, which is why regular eye check-ups remain important. 

  • It depends on your individual vision goals and the type of lens chosen. Some patients may still need glasses for certain activities, while others may be able to reduce their dependence on glasses.
    Your eye doctor can help you choose the option that best matches your lifestyle and expectations.

  • In most cases, the artificial lens is intended to remain in your eye permanently. If there is a medical reason or your vision needs change significantly, your eye doctor can discuss possible options with you. However, choosing the right lens together with your surgeon before surgery is an important step towards achieving your desired vision.

IOL lens models are for illustrative purposes only.
Selected visual elements on this website were created with the support of artificial intelligence (AI).