During cataract surgery, your physician will replace your natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Today there are multiple types of IOLs, each delivering a different performance profile based on how the lens is designed. Here are the basics about the three main types of IOLs:
Standard Monofocal IOLs (AcrySof® IQ IOL)
A standard monofocal IOL is designed to provide clear distance vision. This means you will be able to see objects far away. However, you will most likely need glasses for reading and any type of "close" detail work. Monofocal IOLs have been the standard implant used after a cataract is removed. Millions of monofocal IOLs have been successfully implanted providing cataract patients with clear distance vision.
Accommodating IOLs (Crystalens®)
As the name implies, an accommodating lens "flexes" or "accommodates" using the eyes natural muscles to focus on subjects at various distances, delivering a continuous range of vision - near, intermediate and far.
Multifocal IOLs (AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL)
A multifocal lens uses multiple visual zones that are built into the lens itself to provide vision at various distances. It's almost like the rings of a target, with some rings being dedicated to distance vision, while others are used for near vision, similar to having a bifocal or trifocal lens inside the eye. A multifocal IOL projects multiple images, requiring your brain to adjust to the differences.
Toric IOLs (AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL)
For patients with cataracts and astigmatism there is the Toric lens, which corrects for both conditions simultaneously.
Choosing the Cataract Lens That's Right for You
If you're considering cataract surgery, you know it's an important decision. Once you've decided to have the surgery, however, there's another important choice to make: which type of intraocular lens (IOL) to have implanted. While several factors influence this choice, the chart below can serve as a helpful reference for what each type of lens offers.
Would you like to enjoy freedom from glasses after surgery, or are you fine with wearing glasses? Do you have astigmatism? Is cost an issue? These are the sorts of questions you'll need to consider as you begin thinking about IOL options.
Of course, your eye doctor will provide you with advice to help you determine which IOL is best suited to your specific vision needs. So, talk to your doctor, consider the options, and choose wisely — the IOL you select will change the very way you see the world!
Select an IOL from the chart below for more information.
| Which type of IOL is right for you? |
Near |
Intermediate |
Distance |
Astigmatism |
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL
Multifocal Lens
A lens with multiple focal points, designed to replace cataracts and correct presbyopia in order to provide a full range of vision — near, far and in-between — while offering enhanced image quality. |
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AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL
Astigmatism Correcting Monofocal Lens
A lens with a single focal point, designed to correct both cataracts and preexisting astigmatism, provides distance vision while offering enhanced image quality. |
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AcrySof® IQ IOL
Monofocal Lens
A lens with a single focal point, designed to correct cataracts and provide distance vision while offering enhanced image quality. |
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All AcrySof® IQ IOLs feature aspheric and blue-light-filtering technology. Aspheric IOLs correct irregularities in the curvature of your eye, for enhanced image quality. Light-filtering IOLs block ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy blue light, both of which may be potentially harmful to your eyes.
Please see our additional pages for more information on Premium IOLs.