A monofocal intraocular lens has a single focal point, set for distance. You will see well far away and need reading glasses for close work. That is the standard lens, and it is what most cataract surgery worldwide uses.
A toric lens corrects astigmatism, which is a genuine benefit for patients who have significant corneal astigmatism — without it, distance vision remains blurred even after a successful operation. A multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lens splits light across two or more focal points to reduce dependence on reading glasses.
Multifocal lenses trade contrast sensitivity and can produce halos and glare around lights at night. For a patient who drives at night, has macular disease, or has a retinal condition, that trade is often a bad one. A premium lens in the wrong eye is an expensive downgrade, and we will say so.
We ask what you actually do with your eyes. If you drive at night and read on a tablet, an extended-depth lens may suit you well. If you have early macular change, a monofocal is safer. If you have significant astigmatism, a toric lens is not a luxury — it is the correct lens for your eye.
Premium lenses cost more because the manufacturing is more complex and the pre-operative measurements must be more precise. That is a real difference. But a higher price does not make a lens better for every eye, and any clinic that presents premium as simply the better option is not giving you a recommendation, it is giving you a price list.
This decision is made with you, not for you. We will show you your measurements, explain what each option would mean for your particular eyes, and tell you plainly when the standard lens is the right answer.
This article is general information about eye conditions and does not replace an examination. If you have symptoms, book an assessment.
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