A monofocal IOL is designed around one principal focus, commonly distance. It remains an appropriate and reliable choice for many patients, including people who are comfortable using reading glasses.
Many people choose distance focus and use near glasses. A near target or a planned difference between eyes may be discussed in suitable cases.
Planned monovision gives the two eyes different targets and is not comfortable for everyone. Previous contact-lens experience, depth-perception needs and the condition of both eyes should be considered before choosing it.
Reading, fine work, residual astigmatism or an unexpected postoperative prescription may require glasses.
This is not a failure of the lens. A monofocal IOL is intentionally designed around one principal focus, so spectacles can provide the additional ranges or precision needed for particular tasks.
A monofocal lens can also have toric correction when regular corneal astigmatism is suitable and measurements support it.
The toric component addresses corneal astigmatism while the monofocal component retains a single main focus. Accurate measurement and stable alignment are important to achieve the intended correction.
This page provides general patient information. Your examination, surgeon’s advice and written treatment instructions determine what is appropriate for your eye.
Return to the cataract hub for symptoms, surgery timing, IOL categories, insurance guidance, centres and FAQs.
