Monofocal Intraocular Lenses

Monofocal intraocular lenses are the original IOLs. These lenses were first used in the 1950s. Improved design monofocal lenses are still widely used today. In fact, they are the type of lens now most frequently used in cataract surgery, possess excellent characteristics, and enable patients to achieve good vision. Monofocal lenses, as the name suggests, allow you to focus at one distance only, because the lens has only one focal point. Most patients who receive monofocal lenses choose to be in focus at distance. This means you will still be affected by presbyopia (the loss of ability to focus at near as we age) after having one of these lenses placed in your eye. This allows you to be relatively glasses-independent when performing activities that require clear distance vision, but, if you choose this option, you will need to wear glasses for intermediate and near vision in order to see clearly at those distances. In this case, you may not need glasses for driving, but you will need them to work on the computer or read a book. In addition, if you have an astigmatism, this lens will not correct for that, in which case you will continue to need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision for the astigmatism at every distance of vision. These lenses are covered by your insurance company, so there is no additional out-of-pocket cost for the use of these lenses above the standard co-pay and/or deductibledetermined by your insurance company.

TECNIS® Monofocal IOL

Courtesy of Abbott Medical Optics

Photograph Simulating Vision with a Monofocal IOL

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