Cataract surgery: what type of lens implant is right for your patient?

Generally, the main types of intraocular lens implants (IOLs) include:

• Standard Monofocal IOLs: standard lenses that provide good distance vision, however spectacles are needed for intermediate and near vision.
• Premium Monofocal-Plus IOLs: these are the latest addition to the monofocal IOL family. They provide a better range of far and mid-distance vision, but spectacles are still needed for intermediate (arm’s length) and near vision.
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: premium lenses that provide good distance and intermediate vision sufficient for most daily visual activities done at arm’s length including shopping, cooking and using desktop computers, without the need for spectacles. Reading glasses may still be needed for close work.
• Trifocal/multifocal IOLs: premium lenses that aim to provide a full range of good distance, middle and near vision, without the need for spectacles. Most patients who opt for this type of IOLs enjoy spectacle independence for a wide range of activities. However, 5-10% may see halos or glare around point sources of light. This can go away, but it is important to consider this risk in combination with the patient’s lifestyle.
• Toric IOLs: premium lenses help to correct astigmatism at the time of surgery and can be combined with any of the lenses mentioned above.

In some cases, other combinations of different types of lens implants are required to address specific eye health and lifestyle needs.

Each patient will discuss the merits of different IOL implants with their consultant ophthalmic surgeon to arrive at a recommendation to meet their individual requirements. However, it would be helpful for referrers to flag key considerations at the point of referral. These include other existing ocular pathology, astigmatism, the patient’s lifestyle and the level of spectacle independence they desire.