Intraocular Lens Comparison Table

When cataracts cause vision to become blurred, cataract surgery is often the best option for restoring clear sight.

Today, this procedure not only removes the clouded natural lens but also offers a variety of intraocular lens (IOL) options tailored to different visual needs - such as distance (e.g. reading road signs), intermediate (e.g. using a computer), and near (e.g. reading or using a mobile phone) requirements. These options include monofocal IOLs, extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs, Light Adjustable Lens, multifocal IOLs, and toric IOLs.

Intraocular Lens Comparison Table

Feature

Extended Depth
of Focus
(EDOF) IOL

Light Adjustable
Lens (LAL™)

Multifocal IOL

Monofocal IOL

Focal Range

Suitable for distance and intermediatevision, or intermediate and near vision

Suitable for distant, intermediate and near vision

Primarily distance
vision

Key Benefits

Very good visual quality within the focal range
Continuous range of vision
Good contrast sensitivity
Minimal/ no halos, glare and starbursts

Post-operative adjustability of prescription based on individual vision needs

Provides good distant, intermediate and near vision

Provides the best visual quality at the chosen focal range

Post-operative Dependence on Glasses

Glasses may be required for vision outside of focal range

Glasses usually not required; further reduced with Blended Vision

Glasses usually not required

Glasses are usually required for vision outside the focal range

Suitable Candidates

Wish to reduce dependence on glasses
Drives at night

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Comfortable with wearing glasses
Higher budget flexibility
No other serious eye conditions
Seeking more accurate refractive result

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Prefer not to wear glasses
Accepts lower contrast sensitivity, halos, glare and starbursts
Does not drive at night
Does not require high precision vision, especially in low light conditions

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Accepts glasses when required
Prioritise higher visual quality
Budget considerations

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Which IOL is suitable for you?

Intraocular Lenses for Cataract Surgery

Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses
(EDOF IOLs)

EDOF IOLs have recently been developed and provide a continuous range of vision. They work by applying advanced optical principles to focus incoming light onto an expanded focal plane. As a result, they deliver smooth, continuous vision across multiple distances while offering a wider range of functional vision than monofocal IOLs, with minimal/ no glare, halos, or starburst effects compared to multifocal IOLs.

By meeting most everyday visual needs, EDOF IOLs help to reduce dependence on glasses and enhance postoperative visual quality.

Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is currently the first and only intraocular lens on the market that permits power adjustments after cataract surgery. By utilizing postoperative light treatment, the lens power can be precisely tailored to align with the patient's specific visual needs and lifestyle, eliminating the complete reliance on pre-operative measurements to achieve optimal visual outcomes.

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (MFIOLs)

Compared with monofocal IOLs, which focus on only one distance, multifocal IOLs provide multiple focal points. This design allows patients to see clearly at various distances, helping to reduce the need for glasses.

By enhancing visual convenience, multifocal intraocular lenses make daily activities easier and allow patients to enjoy greater spectacle independence in everyday life.

Monofocal Intraocular Lenses (Monofocal IOLs)

Monofocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at a single focal distance — most commonly for distance vision. For intermediate or near tasks, such as using a computer or reading and using mobile phones, glasses may be required.

This option is well suited for patients with simpler visual needs, or for those who require the best possible visual quality at a specific distance.