An Introduction to Multi-Focal Lens Implants
Dennis Matzkin M.D. is a double board certified and fellowship trained ophthalmologist. Dr. Matzkin obtained his medical degree, completed training, and received his first residency in ophthalmology at the University of Witerwatersrand Medical School in South Africa. In 1989, Dr. Matzkin immigrated to the United States... more
Multi-focal intraocular lenses (IOL) are often used to replace the natural human lens that has been damaged by cataracts. A multi-focal IOL is a lens surgically implanted into the eye to replace a natural lens. It is made of clear foldable acrylic and about one-third the diameter of a dime.
As the name indicates, multi-focal IOLs allow you to focus at any length, like the eye’s natural lens. The majority of people who receive this type of implant are able to give up wearing glasses or contacts after surgery.
Traditional lenses used in cataract surgery were mono-focal, meaning that they only provided clear vision at one distance. This meant that patients still needed to wear corrective lenses to correct astigmatism as well as intermediate and near vision.
“I prefer multi-focal lenses because I’d much rather my patients have the vision they had at 30 years old instead of the vision they had at 60 or 70, before cataracts developed,” said Dr. Matzkin. “Your natural lens can normally focus equally well near or far, especially when you’re young,” he said. “Multi-focal lens implants allow you to seamlessly focus at any distance and can even correct astigmatism."
One other very important advantage of the multifocal implant is that it eliminates the need for bifocal or progressive glasses which causes distortion when looking down. This may often cause seniors already having balance issues to trip on the curb, steps, and other objects.
Dr. Matzkin frequently performs elective multi-lens IOL surgery on adults without cataracts but as a vision correction modality.
“Our multi-focal lens surgery is better than LASIK,” said Dr. Matzkin. “People who have LASIK at the age of 40 or 45 will still need help to focus up close.” Choosing a multi-focal lens implant almost completely eliminates the need for reading glasses after surgery—whether it was an elective procedure or for cataract correction.
Contact us at (423) 855-8522 and find out how we can help you start seeing clearly with PanOptix multi-focal lens implants.
