multifocal implant

This is an implant used during cataract surgery that may eliminate the need for reading glasses.  With cataract surgery, the cloudy lens inside the eye is removed and replaced with a plastic implanted lens. The standard implant most people choose is focused for distance vision. These people continue to need bifocals or reading glasses after surgery for near vision.  New “premium” implants are now available that have a bifocal built into them. There are different zones built into the implant surface that focus at different distances. These “multifocal implants” have more out-of-pocket expense than a standard lens because insurance companies will not pay for the additional cost.  Not everyone is a good candidate for this type of lens as there are some small tradeoffs with multifocal implants. They may not be as crisp as a traditional lens and many people see ring-halos at night. Currently, the leading multifocal implant on the market is the Restor lens.  A competing product called the Crystalens gives a similar focal effect, but works by a completely different mechanism. Most surgeons have a preference on the type of implant they use.