Before the development of the intraocular lens (IOL), cataract sufferers had to wear thick, distorting cataract glasses or contact lenses in order to see and function after cataract surgery. The intraocular lens revolutionized cataract surgery by restoring clear, natural, undistorted vision. But since the standard IOL is “monofocal” and customarily corrects only for distance, reading glasses would still be necessary for close work. To minimize their dependence on reading glasses, patients often would choose monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for reading.

Now patients can have both eyes see far and near together by opting for a multifocal lens (ReSTOR  by Alcon Surgical) or an accommodating IOL (the Crystalens by Eyeonics -  accommodation means focusing up close in optical language).  These IOL’s, called “premium” lenses by Medicare and most health insurance plans, are not fully covered by insurance but give an almost full spectrum of vision, from far to near. We would be happy to discuss these options with you.