At Vision Scotland we strive to offer the very best of care and we always aim to achieve the highest standard of visual outcome following cataract and refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery.
We are delighted to offer a range of intraocular lens options and this guide aims to help you better understand the differences between each lens. It is important to understand that not all options are available to every individual. Following a comprehensive assessment, your suitability for each lens will be discussed so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for you.
Monofocal lenses
A monofocal lens is a lens that is set for one fixed distance. It is important to understand that as soon as the natural lens is removed from the eye, you no longer retain the vision you had before surgery. If a patient had good near vision before surgery and elected to have a distance monofocal lens implanted then they would immediately lose that near vision. The overwhelming majority of patients prefer to wear glasses for reading than for distance so monofocal lenses are most commonly set for distance although they can be set for near vision. What about one eye for distance and one eye for reading? This approach is called monovision and it is commonly employed by contact lens wearers. It can be very successful for some patients but does not work for everyone. Monofocal lenses are a good option for patients who are comfortable with wearing glasses after surgery.
Our premium and best performing monofocal lens is called a Clareon lens. A Clareon lens provides exceptional and long lasting clarity owing to its unique design and manufacturing.
Toric lenses
A toric lens is a lens that is used to correct a common eye condition called astigmatism. Astigmatism is when the curvature of the eye is not perfectly spherical and it results in light being focussed at two separate points in the eye. An eye with no astigmatism is perfectly spherical in shape like a football and an eye with astigmatism is shaped like a rugby ball. Our diagnostic tests are able to detect even the smallest amount of astigmatism and this will be discussed during your consultation. Patients are often surprised to learn that they have astigmatism when they have no history of astigmatism in their spectacle prescription. The reason for this is because astigmatism can be induced when the natural lens is removed from the eye. Patients with astigmatism will be given the option of a toric lens. If an individual with astigmatism decides against a toric lens then they must be prepared to wear spectacles at all distances after surgery so a toric lens is best for those looking to reduce their spectacle dependency after surgery.
Trifocal lenses
Trifocal lenses aim to achieve full vision correction and so are used in patients who are highly motivated to achieve spectacle independence after surgery. Unlike monofocal lenses which offer clear vision at one distance, a trifocal lens offers clear vision at distance, near and everything in between (intermediate). Whilst these lenses are excellent and loved by many patients, they do come with small visual compromises. The visual compromises are in the form of glare and halos and the brain needs to adapt to the changes in vision. Patients with high visual demands may not adapt well to trifocal lenses and so they are not suitable for everyone.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens aims to achieve very good distance and intermediate vision with functional near vision. It is distinctively different to a trifocal lens. Unlike a trifocal lens, an EDOF lens does not tend to result in the same level of visual compromise. Near vision is undoubtedly better with a trifocal lens but an EDOF lens is a very good option for those who do not mind having to wear top up reading glasses infrequently for smaller sized print.
Our highly experienced and knowledgeable staff will make a recommendation based on your lifestyle needs. Rest assured that all of our lens options are excellent and the most important thing is that you make a decision based on what is best and affordable for you.
