It is amazing that presbyopia correction can be achieved through cataract surgery, which is a good example of “killing two birds with one stone”. As commonly known, conventional single vision IOLs that are inserted during cataract surgery can only provide clear vision at a certain distance, so that patients still need kinds of eyeglasses or contacts to correct other vision problems. Also called presbyopia-correcting IOLs, multifocal and accommodation IOLs inserted during cataract surgery can restore a full range of vision without eyeglasses or additional contact lenses.

Since standard monofocal IOLs can only provide clear distance vision and require patients to wear reading glasses for close vision, presbyopia-correcting IOLs with multifocal designs are approved to offer clear vision at multiple distances. There are three brands of multifocal IOLs that are FDA-approval: AcrySof IQ ReSTOR, ReZoom and Tecnis.

As we know, some people above 40 can not see clearly at multiple distances, which is caused by the lens’ natural aging and becoming rigid to move smoothly. Among all of the IOLs, accommodation IOL such as the Crystalens has a special design to treat the described presbyopia. An accommodation IOL provides sharp vision by shifting its position with the action of eye muscle and movement, rather than by simply replacing the natural lens. Accommodation IOLs belong to presbyopia-correcting IOLs, so that patients can get multiple distance vision from them.