Monofocal Intraocular Lenses: Types, Benefits, and Prices

Advantages of Monofocal Lens

There are several advantages to choosing monofocal lenses, including the following:

1. Patients with nearsightedness or farsightedness can particularly benefit from monofocal lenses.
2. Insurance companies typically cover the cost of monofocal lenses.
3. Monofocal lenses were the earliest type of intraocular lenses invented. Due to their long history, they have improved significantly to become high-quality lenses.
4. These lenses can be customized for monovision, hence correcting vision at two different distances.
5. Everyone is a suitable candidate for monofocal lenses.
6. Monofocal lenses are not associated with glare or halos, especially in low-light conditions.
7. Monofocal toric lenses are available that address astigmatism.

Disadvantages of Monofocal Lens

While monofocal lenses may be the optimal choice of lens for some patients, they have several limitations:

1. They do not correct vision for all distances and cannot correct for age-related visual impairment.
2. These lenses can be inconvenient as patients have to rely on corrective eyewear for clear vision at uncorrected distances.
3. Monofocal lenses set for monovision provide reduced depth perception.
4. While a monofocal lens for cataracts can be set for monovision, adapting to this visual adjustment requires careful consideration and may not be suitable for everyone.

Potential Risks & Complications

Monofocal lenses can be associated with some risks and complications:

1. Visual distortions and halos: Patients may experience some visual distortions, however, the risk of this is minimal with monofocal lenses.
2. IOL decentration: This refers to the tilting of an intraocular lens and is a complication that can occur even if the surgery is performed well. If this occurs, it can impede vision quality.
3. Additional surgery: This may be required if an incorrect-sized lens has been implanted or if lens dislocation has occurred.
4. Refractive surprise: This refers to the situation where the outcome of cataract surgery, specifically the patient’s postoperative refractive error (how clearly they see without glasses), differs significantly from what was predicted before the surgery. This is more likely in cases where a patient has severe myopia or hyperopia.
5. Increased intraocular pressure: Monofocal IOLs can cause irritation to intraocular structures. This can lead to increased pressure within the eye.
6. Posterior capsule opacification: This is also known as secondary cataract and occurs due to the migration and differentiation of epithelial cells behind the implanted lens. It is a common complication after cataract surgery and can be managed with laser treatment.
7. Infection: Signs of infection after monofocal lens surgery may include pain, redness, and vision problems.
8. Bleeding: In rare cases, blood may collect between the cornea and the iris following implantation and can also lead to elevated intraocular pressure. This requires immediate medical attention.

Best Monofocal Lens Brands

There are several leading brands that manufacture the best monofocal lens for cataract surgery. These include both international and domestic brands:

• Alcon
• Johnson and Johnson
• Hoya
• Bausch and Lomb
• Zeiss

Some popular Indian brands include:

• Aurolab
• Appasamy
• Locacare

Types Of Monofocal Lens

There are two types of monofocal lens:

1. Spherical monofocal lens: These are the simplest type of monofocal lenses that can only correct spherical aberration.
2. Toric monofocal lens: This type of monofocal lens can correct for spherical and cylindrical aberrations (astigmatism). Astigmatism can lead to blurry vision at all distances. Therefore, toric monofocal lenses are a good choice for those with astigmatism.

Which Type of Cataract Lens is Better, Monofocal vs Multifocal Lens?

There is no single best intraocular lens for cataract surgery. Although monofocal lenses are the most common type of intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery, we advise you to consult a qualified ophthalmologist for your specific condition. An experienced ophthalmologist can help determine whether a monofocal lens or multifocal lens would be the most suitable for you depending on your vision needs, overall eye health, lifestyle, and preferences. For reduced dependency on glasses, monofocal lenses are a good and affordable option. To know whether monofocal lenses are the right choice for you, get in touch with Pristyn Care and speak to a leading eye specialist today.

Monofocal Lens Price

The cost of monofocal lenses in India can range from ₹28,000 to ₹70,000. The cost may vary depending on the manufacturer or the composition of the monofocal lens.

Why Are Monofocal IOLs Chosen More Than Multifocal IOLs?

Monofocal lenses provide better vision quality in low-light conditions as they focus all the incoming light onto a single focal point on the retina. This results in better contrast sensitivity and hardly any glare as the light is not scattered as much within the eye. Monofocal lenses are also the most affordable compared to all intraocular lenses, as their cost can usually be covered by health insurance.