Multifocal and Accommodative Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

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Question:
I am 60 years old and have presbyopia and moderate astigmatism, and very early cataracts. I am considering an intraocular lens (IOL) with Restor lens, with a goal of eliminating or reducing dependency on glasses for reading. Is this lens a multifocal or accommodative type and what is the difference in the two types?

Answer:
This is a multifocal lens and the downsides are halos and glare at night depending on aberrations measured in your eyes, and the lens may cause loss of contrast (dull or grayer vision). Its pros are good near vision, fair intermediate vision, and good distance vision. The only accommodative lens in the U.S. is Crystalens; and rather than having circular multifocal optics built into the lens, it moves back and forth in the eye and it focuses more like a younger healthy lens. Its cons are that near vision is fair and reading glasses are more often needed with fine print or dim light. Pros are that there are almost no halos or glare, no contrast issues and it has the best distance and intermediate vision qualities.

Answered by: Jeffrey Whitman, MD

Categories: Cataracts, Eye Surgery, Vision Correction

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