Monovision vs. Multifocal Lens Implants

Question: Which type of IOL Lens Implant correction has a higher success rate...multifocal or monovision? What are the possible drawbacks to each?


Answer: Unfortunately it is not possible to provide you with actual data as you haven't defined what you mean by "success".

In addition, if one were to use a quantitative definition of uncorrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity as well as a subjective component of "patient satisfaction" in being able to do what they want to do each day without glasses after cataract surgery it would still really be inaccurate as it really depends what they want to do. So for arguments sake lets say that in each case "success" is defined simply as "not needing glasses for 90% of the things I do each day".

IF, and a big IF, we assume that patients have been carefully screened and are good candidates for either monovision Cataract Surgery or having a Multifocal Lens Implant, then the clinical studies suggest that 80-90%+ of Multifocal Lens Implants recipients and 75-80% of Monovision Cataract Surgery patients are "successful"-DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES THEY REQUIRE THEIR EYES FOR EACH DAY.

The drawbacks to Multifocal IOL's is that depending on the lens design, they typically have 2 out 3 "zones" of clear vision-some are best for far and near with a bit weaker arm's length vision-some are best for far and intermediate and bit weaker up close and some are "okay" for all three but not perfect.

In general all types of true multifocal lens implants have some type of glare, halo or mild optical or light distortion. Monovision Cataract Surgery is limited in the amount of correction that it can provide for up close vision, does degrade the distance vision slightly and also can distort depth perception for some patients. However, with careful patient selection, measurement and surgery by the best Cataract Surgeons BOTH methods of vision correction for Cataract Surgery provide a high level of patient satisfaction and functioning for patients who wish to be less dependent or independent of eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery.

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