Multifocal intraocular lens

Multifocal and Accommodating intraocular lenses are artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs) that are designed to provide simultaneous focus of distance and near objects in contrast to monofocal intraocular lenses which only have one focal point and correct distance vision. The issue of restoring accommodation following cataract surgery or through refractive lens exchange is becoming an increasingly important topic in ophthalmology.

Intraocular lenses that correct presbyopia are divided into two main categories:^[1]

• Multifocal IOLs: achieve near and distance vision by having two or three focal points simultaneously. The function of multifocal IOL depends on the pupil size. The concept is based on the principle that the pupil tends to constrict for near tasks, so the central portion of the lens is designed for near and the outer portion for distance.

• Accommodating IOLs: change in shape and power when the ciliary muscle contracts.

References

1. Dimitri T. Azar ; Damien Gatinel (2007). Refractive surgery (2nd ed.). Mosby Elsevier. ISBN 978032303599-6.