Monofocal IntraOcular Lens (IOL) Implant
This is by far the most commonly used implant with the IOL power chosen for seeing distant. For near vision, the patient requires reading glasses. The advantage of this IOL is excellent clarity for distant vision.
Optical Principles of Monofocal IOL
Monofocal IOL has a fixed-range single focal point. It has a fixed focusing power which is set for distant vision. Recent refinements in the optical quality of these lenses have allowed an even higher quality of vision than previously achievable.
Monofocal IntraOcular Lens (IOL) Implant
1. Akreos IOL ( 
, USA)
This hydrophilic acrylic single piece square edge IOL has excellent optical clarity which minimizes problems of internal reflections associated with any IOL implanted in the eye with its anti-glare technology. As such, this IOL would be suitable for patients who suffer from glare during the day.
2. Acrysof ( 
, USA)
This hydrophobic acrylic single piece IOL has excellent haptic flexibility to allow easy implantation. The biconvex optic design reduces the incidence of posterior capsule opacification to around 1% compared to the average 10% in other IOLs.
3. Acrysof Natural ( , USA)
This IOL is able to filter both UV and blue light because of a patented yellow tint incorporated into the IOL. It is thought that UV and blue light can be harmful to the retina and can potentially contribute to macular degeneration. As such, this IOL would be suitable for patients who are at risk of macular degeneration.
4. TECNIS™ IOL ( 
, USA)
This is the 1st IOL which claims to improve functional vision in various lighting conditions due to its modified prolate lens surface which simulates the optical performance of a young person. As such, the IOL is designed to help your eye function younger than your age! This lens is suitable for those who drive as the IOL helps drivers recognize objects on the road sooner and therefore have more time to react.
Multifocal IntraOcular Lens (IOL) Implant
This IOL is designed to solve the problem of focusing for near after cataract extraction so that the patient does not need reading glasses. The main problem with this IOL is that there is an average reduction in contrast sensitivity between 30-50% depending on how much light is weighted for near and how much for distance. There is also the problem of glare and haloes due to the multiple concentric focusing power within the IOL. In a European study, 90% of patients are not wearing glasses for distance and 80% do not need reading glasses. However, the intermediate vision remains slightly out of focus.
Optical Principles of Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOL has specialized optical properties that can divide light to bring it into focus at more than one point at the same time. This IOL is designed with concentric rings which can focus light rays from both distance and near simultaneously.
Multifocal IntraOcular Lens (IOL) Implant
1. TECNIS™ Multifocal ( ) is a multifocal diffractive aspheric refractive IOL which may reduce aberrations in addition to giving reasonably good and near vision.
2. ReStor ( ) is a combined refractive/diffractive IOL whereby incoming light is directed towards 2 focal points giving good distant and even better near vision but not intermediate vision.
