If you’re choosing a lens for cataract surgery and night driving is important to you, the decision between an EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lens and a multifocal lens can feel overwhelming. Both options promise independence from glasses, sharper vision and a wider range of focus, but their performance at night is very different. Many patients worry about glare, halos and contrast sensitivity all of which matter when you’re driving in the dark, especially on unfamiliar roads or during rainy weather.
You may have already been told that EDOF lenses give smoother night vision, while multifocal lenses can create more visual side effects. But why does this happen? And more importantly, which option is genuinely better for your lifestyle?
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you feel confident choosing the lens that supports your night-driving comfort and safety.
Understanding How EDOF and Multifocal Lenses Work
Knowing the design differences between EDOF and multifocal lenses helps explain why they behave differently in low-light environments.
How EDOF Lenses Work
EDOF lenses create one elongated focal point, rather than splitting light into distinct near, intermediate and distance zones. This means that instead of “jumping” between focal points, your vision flows smoothly across a continuous range.
Key features of EDOF lenses
Extended range: Clear distance and excellent intermediate vision (ideal for dashboards and screens).
Continuous focus: No abrupt transitions between distances.
Enhanced contrast: Because light isn’t divided, more of it reaches the retina.
How Multifocal Lenses Work
Multifocal lenses split incoming light into multiple focal points usually distance, intermediate and near. This allows glasses-free reading, but it also reduces the amount of light dedicated to each focal point.
Key features of multifocal lenses
Multiple zones: Distance, intermediate and near vision corrections.
Light splitting: Each zone receives only a portion of available light.
Increased visual side effects: The design can create glare, halos and starbursts at night.
Why Night Driving Is a Challenge After Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, your new lens controls how light enters your eye. In low-light conditions, your pupils naturally dilate, exposing more of the lens surface. This can amplify any optical imperfections, making night vision more challenging.
Night driving challenges with artificial lenses
- Glare from headlights – Many patients notice discomfort or temporary blindness from oncoming lights, especially with multifocal lenses. This can make night driving tiring and stressful.
- Lower contrast sensitivity – Seeing in grey, dim, or low-contrast environments becomes harder, affecting your ability to detect pedestrians, road signs, or changes in terrain.
- Halos and rings around lights – Some lens designs, particularly multifocal lenses, can create halos or rings around streetlights and headlights, which may be distracting or disorienting.
- Difficulty judging distance – Visual “noise” from glare, halos, or reduced contrast can make depth perception less reliable, making it harder to judge gaps, turns, or speed.
Choosing the right lens is particularly important if you drive at night regularly, as it can significantly impact your comfort, confidence, and safety behind the wheel.
Why EDOF Lenses Often Perform Better for Night Driving
The most important advantage of EDOF lenses is the continuous focal range without splitting light into multiple zones and that makes a significant difference when you’re on the road in the dark.
1. Higher Contrast Sensitivity
Higher contrast sensitivity is one of the biggest benefits of EDOF lenses, particularly for night driving. Contrast sensitivity determines how well you can recognise shapes, signs, pedestrians, and road markings in dim light, which directly affects safety and visual comfort.
EDOF lenses preserve contrast because they use more of the available light, unlike multifocal lenses that split light into different focal points, which can reduce contrast and make dim environments harder to see clearly. Many patients report that road signs look sharper, edges and shapes are easier to distinguish, and driving feels more stable and predictable.
2. Fewer Halos and Glare
Halos and glare happen when light bends unpredictably around lens edges or at transitions, often causing visual disturbances in low-light conditions. EDOF lenses minimise these effects because they don’t have abrupt optical steps, allowing light to pass smoothly and reducing unwanted rings or reflections.
By contrast, multifocal lenses are more likely to produce visible halos or rings around headlights and streetlights. For anyone who drives long distances at night, this difference can feel significant, making EDOF lenses a more comfortable option for night-time vision.
3. More Natural Distance Vision
Clear distance vision is crucial for safe driving, but multifocal lenses can sometimes compromise it slightly, as some light is diverted to near and intermediate focal points. EDOF lenses, on the other hand, prioritise distance clarity while still providing excellent intermediate vision for tasks like using dashboards or screens.
This focus on distance vision is particularly important for night driving, where recognising road signs, judging gaps, scanning oncoming vehicles, and reading road textures all rely on sharp, accurate long-range sight. EDOF lenses help ensure these visual tasks remain comfortable and reliable.
4. Better Performance in Rain, Fog and Low Contrast
Rain, fog, and low-contrast conditions can make driving more challenging by scattering light and reducing visual clarity. EDOF lenses provide an advantage in these situations thanks to their smoother optical profile, which helps maintain sharpness and contrast even in poor weather.
By contrast, multifocal lenses split light into multiple focal points, which can increase glare and further reduce contrast in challenging conditions. For many patients, the improved performance of EDOF lenses in rain, fog, and low-contrast environments is a key reason for choosing this lens type.
What Patients Typically Experience After Each Lens Type
Below is a simplified comparison based on real-world patient feedback and clinical studies.
Night Driving With EDOF Lenses
EDOF lenses enhance night driving by providing clear, sharp road signs, minimal halos and glare, strong depth perception, and smooth vision across dashboard distances. They perform well on dark rural roads, maintain excellent clarity in rain, and reduce discomfort from oncoming headlights. Most patients describe the experience as very close to natural vision, but noticeably clearer and more comfortable.
Night Driving With Multifocal Lenses
Night driving with multifocal lenses can be challenging for some patients, as they often produce noticeable halos around headlights, increased glare in dark or rainy conditions, and lower contrast sensitivity. Road signs may appear slightly less crisp, and an adaptation period is usually required. While many patients eventually adjust, some never feel completely comfortable driving at night with multifocal lenses.
Who Should Choose EDOF Lenses for Night Driving
EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lenses are designed for patients who want visual freedom while prioritising clarity and comfort in low-light conditions. They strike a balance between distance vision and intermediate tasks, making them particularly useful for night driving.
You’re an ideal EDOF candidate if:
You drive at night weekly or daily – Consistent night driving requires lenses that minimise glare and optical disturbances.
You live in rural areas with limited street lighting – EDOF lenses help maintain clear vision even in poorly lit environments.
You feel anxious about glare or halos – These lenses reduce common visual disturbances associated with multifocal designs, offering a calmer driving experience.
You want strong distance vision – Clear distance vision is essential for safe driving and everyday activities.
You rely on good contrast sensitivity – EDOF lenses preserve the ability to detect subtle changes in light and shadow, improving safety in low-light conditions.
You’re willing to use reading glasses for very small print – While EDOF lenses cover most everyday tasks, reading very fine text may still require a pair of glasses.
If night driving is important to you, EDOF lenses typically offer the safest and most comfortable experience, providing reliable vision when you need it most.
Who Might Still Prefer Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are ideal for patients seeking the highest level of independence from glasses, particularly for close-up tasks like reading or detailed work. They provide a full range of vision distance, intermediate, and near though they can sometimes introduce visual disturbances.
Multifocals are best suited for:
Heavy readers – If you spend long hours with novels, documents, or screens, multifocal lenses can reduce the need for reading glasses.
People who dislike the idea of reading glasses – These lenses let you perform most near tasks without constantly switching between glasses.
Patients comfortable with possible halos – Multifocal lenses can create halos or glare, especially in low-light conditions, so candidates should be aware and accepting of this possibility.
Those who rarely drive at night – If night driving is infrequent, the optical trade-offs of multifocal lenses are less impactful.
If near vision and independence from reading glasses are your top priorities, multifocal lenses may be the right fit for your lifestyle.
Which EDOF Lenses Perform Best at Night
Some EDOF lenses are specifically designed to provide exceptional clarity in low-light conditions, making them ideal for patients who drive at night or are sensitive to glare. Choosing the right lens can make a noticeable difference in your visual comfort and safety.
Popular EDOF designs include:
Alcon Vivity: This lens has a very low halo profile and delivers excellent contrast, helping patients see more clearly in dim lighting. Its smooth focus transition reduces visual disturbances, making night driving more comfortable and reducing eye strain in low-light conditions.
Johnson & Johnson Symfony OptiBlue: The Symfony OptiBlue lens offers improved chromatic aberration control, which reduces color fringing and enhances night-time clarity. It also provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate, giving patients functional visual freedom throughout daily activities.
Zeiss AT LARA: Designed to provide strong intermediate vision, the Zeiss AT LARA lens also controls light scatter, reducing glare and halos. This makes night vision sharper and more reliable, particularly in situations with multiple light sources, like city streets or oncoming headlights.
Your ophthalmologist will recommend the best option based on your eye measurements, visual needs, and lifestyle. They will consider factors such as how often you drive at night, your tolerance for halos or glare, and your need for sharp distance or intermediate vision. Choosing the right EDOF lens can significantly improve both your daytime and night-time visual experience, giving you confidence and comfort in a variety of lighting conditions.
The Trade-Offs: EDOF vs Multifocal Lenses
Here’s a quick balanced overview.
EDOF Lenses
Pros
Better night driving: Reduced halos and glare make driving in low-light conditions safer and more comfortable.
Higher contrast sensitivity: Improves the ability to see subtle changes in light and shadow, which is especially helpful for dim environments.
Fewer halos and glare: Designed to minimise optical disturbances often experienced with multifocal lenses.
Sharp distance and intermediate vision: Ideal for tasks like driving, computer work, and daily activities that require clear mid- to long-range vision.
More natural feel: Provides a smoother, less “artificial” visual experience compared with some multifocal designs.
Cons:
Reading glasses needed for very small print: Fine near vision may still require glasses for tasks like reading small text or detailed work.
Not ideal for heavy close-up work: Those who read extensively or perform detailed close-up tasks may find EDOF lenses less convenient than multifocals.
Multifocal Lenses
Pros:
Excellent close vision: Provides sharp near vision for reading, phone use, and other detailed tasks without relying on glasses.
Greater glasses freedom: Minimises the need for reading glasses, giving you more independence in daily life.
Near–intermediate–distance range: Offers functional vision across multiple distances, making it versatile for most everyday activities.
Cons:
More halos and glare: Especially noticeable in low-light conditions or at night, which can be distracting while driving.
Reduced night comfort: Patients may experience glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, making night driving more challenging.
Lower contrast sensitivity: Vision may be less crisp in dim or low-contrast environments compared with EDOF lenses.
The right choice ultimately comes down to your visual priorities and lifestyle whether near vision independence or night-time comfort is more important.
What to Discuss With Your Surgeon
Your lens choice directly affects your daily comfort, so it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about your lifestyle and visual needs. Topics to cover include your night driving habits, whether you drive long distances or only locally, how much reading you do, your screen usage, and any existing corneal or retinal issues.
It’s also important to discuss your tolerance for potential visual side effects and to review the pros and cons of each lens type in relation to your lifestyle. This ensures that the final lens decision is personalised and tailored to your specific needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are EDOF lenses and how do they differ from multifocal lenses?
EDOF, or Extended Depth of Focus, lenses are designed to provide a continuous range of vision by elongating a single focal point. Unlike multifocal lenses, which split light into separate zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision, EDOF lenses allow the eye to focus smoothly across a broader range without abrupt transitions. This design reduces visual disturbances like halos and glare, making EDOF lenses particularly suitable for low-light situations such as night driving. Multifocal lenses, in contrast, are best for patients who prioritise near vision and reading independence but may experience more visual side effects, especially in dim conditions.
2. Why do multifocal lenses cause halos and glare at night?
Multifocal lenses work by dividing incoming light among several focal points, which inevitably reduces the light available for each distance. In low-light conditions, this division can result in light bending unpredictably around lens edges, creating visual phenomena such as halos, starbursts, or glare. These effects are often most noticeable around headlights or streetlights and can make night driving more challenging. EDOF lenses avoid these abrupt optical steps, allowing light to pass smoothly and reducing these visual disturbances.
3. Are EDOF lenses suitable for patients who read frequently?
EDOF lenses are excellent for distance and intermediate vision, which covers most daily activities such as driving, using a computer, or watching television. However, they are not optimised for very fine near vision. Patients who spend a lot of time reading small print or performing detailed close-up tasks may still need reading glasses. Multifocal lenses may be a better choice for heavy readers because they provide a full range of vision, including sharper near vision, reducing reliance on reading glasses.
4. How do EDOF lenses affect night driving safety?
EDOF lenses enhance night driving safety by improving contrast sensitivity and maintaining sharp distance vision. Patients often report that road signs, pedestrians, and dashboard instruments are easier to see in low-light conditions. The continuous focus of EDOF lenses reduces optical noise, making depth perception more reliable and reducing eye strain. This is particularly important for patients who frequently drive in poorly lit areas, on rural roads, or during adverse weather conditions like rain or fog.
5. Can I still experience halos with EDOF lenses?
While no intraocular lens is completely free from optical side effects, EDOF lenses significantly reduce the risk of halos compared with multifocal designs. By creating a smooth, elongated focal range rather than discrete zones, EDOF lenses minimise abrupt transitions where light can scatter. Most patients describe their night vision as very close to natural, with occasional minor reflections, but far less intrusive than those reported with multifocal lenses.
6. How long does it take to adjust to EDOF lenses?
Most patients experience minimal adaptation time with EDOF lenses because the visual transition is smooth and continuous. Unlike multifocal lenses, which often require weeks of neural adaptation due to the light-splitting design, EDOF lenses allow the brain to process distance and intermediate vision more naturally. Patients typically report immediate improvements in clarity for tasks such as night driving or working at a computer, though near vision for very fine text may take longer to adjust if reading glasses are needed.
7. Are EDOF lenses suitable for all cataract patients?
EDOF lenses are ideal for patients who prioritise night driving, clear intermediate vision, and minimal visual disturbances. They are particularly beneficial for individuals living in areas with limited street lighting or those who frequently drive in low-light conditions. However, patients who need exceptional near vision for reading or detailed work may find multifocal lenses more suitable. Ultimately, candidacy depends on lifestyle, visual priorities, and tolerance for potential trade-offs, which should be discussed with an ophthalmologist.
8. How do EDOF lenses perform in challenging weather conditions?
EDOF lenses maintain better visual clarity and contrast sensitivity in rain, fog, or low-contrast environments. Their smooth optical design reduces the scattering of light, making objects appear sharper and more distinguishable under adverse weather conditions. Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, may amplify glare and decrease contrast in these situations due to their light-splitting properties. Many patients notice improved confidence and safety when driving in poor weather after receiving EDOF lenses.
9. Do EDOF lenses reduce the need for glasses entirely?
EDOF lenses can significantly reduce dependence on glasses for most daily activities, especially distance and intermediate tasks. Reading very small print or performing detailed close-up work may still require a pair of reading glasses, which is a minor trade-off for the improved night-time vision and comfort these lenses provide. Multifocal lenses may offer greater freedom from glasses for near tasks but at the expense of increased optical side effects in low-light situations.
10. How should I choose between EDOF and multifocal lenses?
The choice depends largely on your lifestyle, visual priorities, and tolerance for potential side effects. If night driving, distance clarity, and intermediate vision are your main concerns, EDOF lenses are generally the safer and more comfortable option. If independence from reading glasses and sharp near vision are more important, multifocal lenses may be preferable. A thorough consultation with your ophthalmologist is crucial to determine which lens type best suits your needs, taking into account your visual tasks, night-time activities, and personal preferences.
Final Thought: Choosing the Right Lens for Night Driving
When it comes to night driving, EDOF lenses often provide the clearest, most comfortable experience, with fewer halos, reduced glare, and higher contrast sensitivity compared with multifocal lenses. They offer smooth distance and intermediate vision, making daily tasks and low-light driving safer and more reliable.
If night-time clarity is a priority for you, discussing your visual needs with your surgeon is essential. They can help determine whether EDOF lenses are the best fit for your lifestyle, balancing distance vision, intermediate tasks, and tolerance for near-vision compromises. If you’re considering EDOF lenses, you can contact us at London Cataract Centre to book a consultation with one of our specialists.
References:
1. Baur, I.‑D., et al. (2022) ‘Visualization of Ray Propagation through Extended Depth‑of‑Focus Intraocular Lens Models and Comparison with Diffractive Designs’, Diagnostics, 12(11), p. 2667. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/12/11/2667
2. Kim, D.Y. et al. (2025) ‘Comparative Outcomes of the Next‑Generation Extended Depth‑of‑Focus Intraocular Lens’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(14), p. 4967. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/14/4967
3. Kohnen, T., et al. (2019) Visual performance of an extended depth of focus intraocular lens for treatment selection, Eye (Lond), 33(10), pp. 1556‑1563. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31028286/
4. Nivean, M. (2019) ‘Performance of a New‑Generation Extended Depth‑of‑Focus Intraocular Lens’, Journal of Safety and Performance of Artificial Organs, showing good visual range and retained contrast sensitivity, important for low‑light visual tasks. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2162098923005108
5. “Visual Performances of a New Extended Depth‑of‑Focus…” (2021) Visual Performances of a New Extended Depth‑of‑Focus IOL. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8291859/