Multifocal lens implants are an expensive but innovative technology. They are designed to reduce your dependence on eyeglasses as compared to if you had a standard “single focus” lens implant. When you are not wearing glasses, a standard lens implant will provide your eye with optimum focus set at one particular distance that does not change. You would then wear glasses in order to change this focus (e.g., moving the focus farther away or closer up).
How does the multifocal work?
With bifocal eyeglasses, you look through the top part of the lens for distance, and through the bottom area of the lens for near. The multifocal lens implant is entirely different because the specially engineered optic provides both a distance focus, and a near focus at all times. Your brain will learn to automatically select the focus that is appropriate for the task at hand. An analogy might be having background music playing in the room during a conversation. Your brain might “tune out” one to listen to the other. There can be a brief learning curve for using this unique optical system. For example, you will need to learn the optimal distance to hold reading material. For this reason many patients report that their ability to function without glasses continues to improve over time.
Are You a Good Candidate?
If you are a patient with cataracts, you are considering surgery because your cataracts prevent you from seeing well with your corrective eyeglasses. After cataract surgery you should be able to see well for both far and near distances with your new eyeglasses (assuming no other eye health problems). The decision about which type of artificial lens implant to have will only affect your ability to see without eyeglasses following cataract surgery. With both standard and multifocal lens implants, most people will see reasonably well in the distance without any eyeglasses. However, multifocal lens implants will provide the added convenience of being able to read many things without glasses.
No current technology can completely eliminate glasses, and how well you will perform with multifocal lens implants can vary because of individual factors. Nevertheless, they are an excellent option for patients who already need cataract surgery who want to decrease their reliance upon glasses. Although multifocal implants carry no guarantees, they should greatly improve the odds that you will be able to read and see better overall without glasses.
To learn more about the benefits Multifocal lens implants, make an appointment at Beyer Eye Associates, We offer 3 convenient locations in Mercerville NJ, Millstone NJ and Newtown PA . Our medical professionals can address any questions or concerns you may have about this special type of lens. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation