Standard (Monofocal) IOL

Standard single-focus IOLs are still an excellent option for patients undergoing cataract surgery and are still the most commonly implanted lenses. These lenses provide excellent focus at either distance, near, or somewhere in between, but not all three. If choosing a standard lens, a patient needs to decide where he or she would like to have the sharpest focus. Typically, patients choosing the standard IOLs will choose to have both eyes set for distance. This means that they will need to wear reading glasses. Another alternative is monovision, in which patients choose to set one eye for distance and the other for near. This provides greater independence from glasses. However, this does tend to compromise the distance and near vision slightly and may require a brief adjustment period.