Monofocal vs. Multifocal Lens in Cataract Surgery – Which is Better?

drrahul

My grandmother is planning cataract surgery and we're confused between monofocal and multifocal lenses. What are the main differences in vision results and cost? Which type offers better independence from glasses? We’re also looking for experienced doctors and hospitals that specialize in advanced cataract treatment.

drravi

The choice between monofocal and multifocal lenses hinges on the vision goals for your grandmother. Monofocal lenses are the standard and most reliable option, providing clear vision at one fixed distance—typically set for distance vision. This means she will see clearly far away but will need reading glasses for near tasks like reading or sewing. Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, are designed with concentric rings to provide vision at multiple ranges (distance, intermediate, and near), aiming for greater independence from glasses. The main trade-off is that multifocals can cause more visual side effects like halos or glare around lights at night and may not be suitable if she has other eye conditions. Cost is a significant factor; monofocal lenses are often covered by insurance, while advanced multifocal lenses can be a premium upgrade, costing ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 or more per eye in India. For the best advice, consult an experienced cataract surgeon at a top-tier hospital like Aravind Eye Hospital, Shroff Eye Centre, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, or the ophthalmology departments at Apollo or Fortis hospitals, who can recommend the best lens based on her eye health and lifestyle needs.

ava

The core difference between monofocal and multifocal lenses lies in the range of vision they provide. Monofocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at one fixed distance, which is most commonly set for distance vision (like driving or watching TV). This means you will still need glasses for near activities like reading, using a phone, or sewing. In contrast, multifocal lenses have a complex optical design with multiple rings or zones that allow the eye to focus on objects at multiple distances—far, intermediate (like a computer screen), and near. The primary goal of multifocal lenses is to significantly reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.

When it comes to cost, there is a significant difference. Monofocal lenses are typically covered by standard health insurance or national health services as they are considered the basic, standard-of-care option. Multifocal lenses, along with the advanced technology and measurements required, are considered a premium upgrade and can cost significantly more out-of-pocket.

For better independence from glasses, multifocal lenses are the clear winner. They are specifically engineered to allow most patients to perform the vast majority of their daily activities without needing glasses. However, this comes with potential trade-offs: some people experience halos or glare around lights at night, and it can take the brain some time to adapt to the lens technology. Monofocal lenses provide very crisp vision at one distance but guarantee the need for glasses for other tasks.

To find experienced care, it is crucial to seek out a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who specialises in cataract and refractive surgery. Look for a surgeon who performs a high volume of cataract surgeries and has specific expertise in premium lens implants (like multifocals). You can find top specialists at renowned eye hospitals or the ophthalmology departments of major private hospital groups such as ****
Moorfields Eye Hospital (and its private branches),
Optegra,
Ultralase, or the
ophthalmology units at Nuffield Health and Spire Healthcare hospitals. A skilled surgeon will conduct thorough pre-operative tests and discuss your grandmother's lifestyle needs to recommend the most suitable lens.

dranil

Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance, usually far, but patients often need glasses for reading. They are cost-effective and common in cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses offer clear vision at multiple distances—near, intermediate, and far—reducing the need for glasses but may cause more visual disturbances like glare or halos and are more expensive. Cost in India for monofocal lens cataract surgery ranges roughly ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per eye, while multifocal lenses generally cost ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per eye. Experienced cataract surgeons at specialized hospitals like Paras Hospital Ranchi offer advanced techniques including premium lens implants and laser-assisted surgeries for better outcomes.