If you’re planning cataract surgery or considering refractive lens exchange, there’s a good chance you’ve already come across the term intraocular lens or IOL for short. And if you’re like most people I speak with, you probably have one big question on your mind:
“Which IOL will help me get out of glasses the most?”
It’s a perfectly reasonable question. After all, modern lens implants are incredibly advanced. Many can give you excellent distance vision without glasses, some can give you a helpful range for screens and everyday tasks, and a few are designed to minimise your dependency on reading glasses as well. But each one does this differently, and each comes with its own trade-offs.
In this guide, I want to walk you through the three main IOL categories monofocal, EDOF(extended depth of focus)and multifocal lenses so that by the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear sense of which type best matches your lifestyle, your visual priorities and your appetite for compromise.
This is not a technical article full of jargon. I’m talking to you directly, as if we were sitting together before your consultation, going over your options one by one. My goal is to help you understand the practical difference between the lenses what it will actually feel like to live with them not just the science behind them.
And if, at any point, you want to learn more about the lens replacement process itself, you can find additional information onIOL surgery in Londonat the London Cataract Centre.
Understanding What “Getting Out of Glasses” Really Means
Before diving into the lens types, I want to make sure we’re speaking the same language. When people say they want to “get out of glasses”, they often mean different things. Here are the three most common goals:
1. Being glasses-free for distance: One key benefit of certain IOLs is being glasses-free for distance vision. This allows you to perform activities such as driving, watching TV, walking around the supermarket, recognising faces across the room, and enjoying scenery on holiday. While most modern lenses provide excellent distance vision, not all are equally effective at other ranges.
2. Reducing glasses for screens and intermediate tasks: Another benefit is reducing the need for glasses for screens and intermediate tasks. This includes activities at arm’s length, such as computer work, using a tablet, cooking, shopping, and checking the dashboard while driving. Since your intermediate range is where you spend much of your day particularly if you’re still working having clear vision at this distance can make daily life much easier.
3. Reducing dependence on glasses for close work: A third benefit some IOLs offer is reducing dependence on glasses for close work. This covers the nearest focusing distances and is important for activities like reading books, sewing or knitting, reading fine print, using your phone, and engaging in hobbies that require detailed work. Not all lenses provide strong near vision, and those that do may involve certain compromises. As you consider different lens types, keeping these three vision ranges distance, intermediate, and near in mind will help you choose the IOL that best matches your personal priorities.
Monofocal IOLs: Maximum Clarity at One Distance
Let’s start with the simplest type of lens the monofocal IOL. This is the standard option offered in NHS cataract surgery and is still an excellent lens even with all the newer technology out there.
How Monofocal IOLs Work: Monofocal IOLs work by providing a single, fixed focal point. In simple terms, this means you will have clear vision at one distance only, while other distances will usually require glasses. Most people opt to have monofocal lenses set for distance vision, as this supports activities like driving, walking around, watching TV, and everyday life.
What You Can Expect After Surgery: After surgery, you can expect excellent distance vision with monofocal lenses if your eyes are otherwise healthy many people see as well as they did in their twenties. However, monofocals are less effective for intermediate tasks, so you’ll likely need glasses for activities like computer work, cooking, DIY projects, and checking the car dashboard. For near vision, monofocals do not provide natural close focus, making reading glasses essential.
The Option of Monovision: Monovision is an option if you want to reduce your reliance on glasses. In this approach, one eye is set for distance vision and the other for near vision. Your brain blends the two images, providing a practical range of vision. While it’s not perfect some people may experience issues with depth perception or find the difference between the eyes distracting it can significantly reduce the need for glasses without the side effects associated with multifocal lenses.
Advantages of Monofocal IOLs: Monofocal IOLs offer several advantages. They provide excellent clarity and contrast, have minimal side effects such as halos or glare, and are the most forgiving option in low-light conditions. They are also ideal for people with retinal or corneal issues.
Drawbacks: The main drawbacks of monofocal IOLs are that they provide only one clear focal point, meaning most people will still need glasses for reading and screen use. Their ability to reduce dependence on spectacles is limited unless combined with a monovision approach.
Who Monofocals Are Best For
Monofocal IOLs are best suited for people who value the sharpest, highest-quality vision, don’t mind wearing glasses for certain tasks, want the lowest risk of visual side effects, or have eye conditions that make multifocal or EDOF lenses unsuitable.
EDOF Lenses: A Balanced Middle Ground for Everyday Life
EDOF lenses are one of the most popular modern options for people who want to reduce but not completely eliminate their need for glasses. Unlike monofocal lenses, which give you a single sharp focus point, EDOF lenses provide a continuous range of vision from far to intermediate. Think of it like this: a monofocal lens gives one sharp point, while an EDOF lens creates a smooth curve of clear vision.
You won’t get full reading vision from an EDOF lens alone, but many people only need glasses for very small print or long reading sessions. These lenses are particularly helpful for day-to-day tasks such as computer work, cooking, shopping, or DIY projects, where intermediate vision is key.
How EDOF Lenses Work
Instead of splitting light into multiple focal points like multifocals, EDOF lenses extend the depth of field. This gives:
- Strong distance vision
- Very good intermediate vision
- Functional, though not perfect, near vision
Because of this design, most users find their everyday vision “sharp enough” without constantly reaching for glasses, though reading glasses may still be needed for small text or detailed work.
Side Effects and Considerations
Some people notice mild halos, slight glare, or reduced contrast in very low light, but these effects are usually less noticeable than with multifocal lenses. Overall, EDOF lenses offer smooth, natural vision with fewer side effects.
Who EDOF Lenses Are Best For
EDOF lenses are ideal if you want to reduce your reliance on glasses but don’t mind using readers occasionally. They suit people who spend a lot of time at the computer, want fewer visual side effects than multifocal lenses, and prefer good all-round functionality rather than perfect near vision.
Multifocal Lenses – Maximum Reduction in Glasses Use
If your main goal is to avoid glasses as much as possible not just for distance but also for near tasks multifocal IOLs are designed to get you closest to full spectacle independence. These lenses split incoming light into multiple focal points, allowing your brain to select the correct image depending on what you’re doing:
- One focus for distance
- One for intermediate
- One for near
Multifocal lenses are particularly suited for patients who want to read, use digital devices, and see well at multiple distances without constantly relying on glasses.
What You Can Expect After Surgery
Distance Vision: With multifocal lenses, distance vision is usually very good, though it may not have the same contrast as a monofocal lens. Most patients find that they can drive, watch TV, and navigate their environment comfortably.
Intermediate Vision: Multifocal lenses perform well at intermediate distances, making everyday tasks easier. You should be able to use a computer, shop, and view your phone at arm’s length without needing glasses.
Near Vision: Where multifocal lenses truly excel is near vision. Reading books, sewing, knitting, crafting, and other detailed work can often be done without glasses. Long reading sessions are usually possible as well, giving a significant advantage over monofocal or EDOF lenses.
Side Effects to Consider
Because multifocal lenses split incoming light into multiple focal points, some side effects are more common. These include halos around lights, glare, starbursts, and reduced contrast in low-light conditions. While most people notice improvement over several months as the brain adapts, these effects may never fully disappear for everyone. Night driving is often the most frequently reported challenge.
Advantages of Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses offer several advantages. They provide the maximum potential for a glasses-free life, deliver strong near vision without the need for reading glasses, and offer a good overall range of vision across distance, intermediate, and near tasks.
Drawbacks
Multifocal lenses also have some drawbacks. They tend to cause more visual side effects than other lens types, may not be suitable for everyone particularly those with retinal issues require an adaptation period, and can be challenging to use in low-light environments.
Who Multifocals Are Best For
Multifocal lenses are ideal for patients whose main goal is to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses. They are particularly suited for people who want strong vision at multiple distances, including near tasks like reading, sewing, or detailed hobbies.
These lenses work best if you’re comfortable accepting some visual artefacts, such as halos, glare, or reduced contrast in low-light situations. Most people adapt over time, but it’s important to be aware that these effects can persist to some degree.
Multifocals are most suitable for patients with healthy eyes and no complicating conditions, such as retinal disease or severe dry eye. A thorough preoperative assessment ensures that this lens type will provide the best possible outcome.
If you value maximum glasses independence and perform a lot of close-up tasks, multifocal lenses can offer a significant improvement in your daily life while still providing good intermediate and distance vision.
Which Lens Reduces Your Need for Glasses the Most?
Let’s summarise the three lens types based on how much they reduce glasses use for each distance.
1. Distance Vision: For distance vision, monofocal and EDOF lenses provide excellent clarity, while multifocal lenses are very good. All three options generally deliver strong distance vision, though monofocals often offer the highest contrast.
2. Intermediate Vision (screens, cooking, shopping): For intermediate vision such as using screens, cooking, or shopping monofocal lenses usually require glasses, EDOF lenses perform very well, and multifocal lenses are good. If a natural intermediate range is a priority, EDOF lenses are typically the best choice.
3. Near Vision (reading, sewing, detail work): For near vision activities like reading, sewing, or detailed work, monofocal lenses require glasses, EDOF lenses provide functional near vision but often still need glasses, and multifocal lenses are the best option for reducing dependence on spectacles.
Putting It All Together: Which IOL Reduces Glasses the Most?
If you want to be almost completely glasses-free:
Multifocal IOL: You’ll get the strongest near vision and the biggest reduction in glasses overall. If you want great everyday vision with fewer side effects:
EDOF IOL: You’ll reduce glasses significantly especially for intermediate tasks but still need readers for small print. If you prioritise clarity and minimal side effects over glasses freedom:
Monofocal IOL: You’ll have excellent distance vision but will need glasses for most near tasks.
Lifestyle Examples: What Might Work Best for You?
“I’m on the computer all day and only read occasionally.”
EDOF may feel like the perfect balance.
“I read a lot and want to avoid glasses as much as possible.”
Multifocal lenses will give you the strongest near vision.
“I don’t mind wearing glasses I just want the clearest vision possible.”
Choose monofocals, or monovision if you want fewer glasses.
“I like sewing and crafting, but I don’t want visual side effects.”
You might prefer EDOF with mini-monovision (a mild difference between eyes).
“I drive at night regularly.”
A monofocalor EDOF lens is generally safer.
What About Eye Conditions?
Not every patient is suited for multifocal lenses. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding them if you have certain eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, significant dry eye, corneal irregularities, or a history of previous eye surgery (depending on the details).
The reason is simple: these conditions can reduce the quality of the retinal image. Since multifocal lenses split incoming light into multiple focal points, any reduction in retinal clarity is magnified, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the lens.
In these situations, monofocal or EDOF lenses are usually a safer and more reliable option. They provide strong vision for specific distances and tend to be less affected by underlying retinal or corneal issues.
Your surgeon will carefully assess your eyes and medical history to determine which lens type is safest and most likely to give you clear, comfortable vision.
The Role of Accurate Measurements
Even the most advanced IOL can only perform as well as the planning that goes into it. Precise measurements of your eye are essential to achieving the best possible vision. Factors such as corneal curvature, lens position, eye length, and astigmatism all influence how clear your vision will be and how independent you can be from glasses after surgery.
Premium lenses, such as multifocals or EDOF lenses, require particularly accurate biometry. Tiny variations in measurement or calculation can affect your visual outcome, which is why precision is so important.
This is also why choosing an experienced surgeon and a high-quality clinic matters. Skilled surgeons use advanced equipment to ensure accurate measurements and select the most suitable lens for your eyes, improving your chances of achieving optimal vision.
By carefully assessing each factor before surgery, your surgeon can minimise the risk of needing additional corrections later, giving you the best foundation for a successful, glasses-reduced outcome.
Astigmatism: Don’t Forget This Part
If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL may be necessary. This is a special version of the intraocular lens that corrects the uneven curvature of your cornea, helping you achieve clearer, sharper vision. Toric lenses are available in monofocal, EDOF, and multifocal designs, giving you flexibility depending on your visual goals.
Correcting astigmatism properly is essential for achieving sharp distance vision, reducing your dependence on spectacles, and ensuring comfortable intermediate vision. Without addressing this curvature, even the best lens type may not deliver its full potential.
Your surgeon will measure the degree and orientation of your astigmatism during preoperative planning to select the correct toric lens and alignment. Accurate placement is crucial, as even slight misalignment can reduce effectiveness.
By combining the right lens type with proper astigmatism correction, you can maximise your visual outcomes and enjoy clearer, more balanced vision across all distances.
Where to Learn More or Book a Consultation
If you’re exploring lens options as part of cataract treatment or refractive lens exchange, it can be very helpful to learn more about the different types of IOLs, how they work, and what to expect before and after surgery. The London Cataract Centre offers comprehensive information on IOL surgery in London, including detailed guides on monofocal, multifocal, and EDOF lenses, as well as advice on recovery, managing visual symptoms, and understanding potential risks and benefits. Booking a consultation with an experienced surgeon can provide personalised guidance, helping you choose the lens that best matches your lifestyle, visual needs, and long-term eye health.
FAQs:
1. Which IOL makes you the most glasses-free?
Multifocal IOLs generally offer the greatest chance of becoming glasses-independent because they provide distance, intermediate and near focus. They’re ideal for people who want to minimise spectacles for reading as well as daily tasks. However, they come with a higher likelihood of haloes and glare. Patients with healthy eyes usually adapt well. If near independence is the priority, multifocal lenses are the top choice.
2. Are EDOF lenses good enough to reduce reading-glasses use?
EDOF lenses provide excellent distance and intermediate range, and many patients can read larger text without glasses. However, most still need reading glasses for small print or prolonged reading. Their main advantage is fewer visual side effects compared with multifocals. They offer a natural, smooth visual experience. For everyday tasks like computer work, EDOF lenses shine.
3. Do monofocal lenses help reduce glasses use at all?
Monofocal lenses offer outstanding clarity at one distance, usually set for far vision. Most people still need glasses for intermediate and near tasks unless monovision is used. They provide the least visual side effects and the sharpest contrast. They are the safest option for those with other eye conditions. If crisp vision matters more than glasses freedom, monofocals are idea.
4. What is monovision, and does it reduce glasses use?
Monovision involves correcting one eye for distance and the other for near. The brain blends the two, giving a functional range of vision without needing multifocal optics. Many people enjoy significantly reduced glasses use, though some struggle with depth perception. A trial using contact lenses can help judge suitability. It’s a good compromise for those who dislike visual side effects.
5. Which IOL is best for someone who works on computers all day?
EDOF lenses are often the best match for heavy computer users. They provide strong intermediate focus, which is crucial for screens, dashboards and arm’s-length tasks. Distance vision also remains excellent, offering balance throughout daily life. You may still need glasses for fine print, but far less often. They also tend to cause fewer haloes than multifocals.
6. Are multifocal lenses difficult to adapt to?
Some people adapt quickly, while others take weeks or months to adjust. Multifocals split light, which can create haloes, glare or reduced contrast, especially at night. Over time, the brain learns which focal point to prioritise, improving comfort. Still, they’re not suitable for everyone, particularly those sensitive to visual imperfections. Proper counselling helps set realistic expectations.
7. Do IOLs work well if I have astigmatism?
Yes if you choose a toric version of the IOL. Toric lenses are available in monofocal, EDOF and multifocal designs, allowing astigmatism to be corrected during surgery. Proper correction is essential for clear distance vision and reducing dependence on glasses. Without correcting astigmatism, even premium lenses won’t reach their full potential. Accurate measurements are key.
8. Which lens is safest for night driving?
Monofocal lenses typically provide the most comfortable night-time vision because they offer the highest contrast and the lowest risk of haloes. EDOF lenses perform well too, with only mild night-time artefacts for most people. Multifocal lenses can cause noticeable haloes around headlights, especially early on. If night driving is essential, monofocal or EDOF is usually preferred.
9. Can I choose a multifocal lens if I have another eye condition?
Often, no. Multifocals require a healthy retina and stable cornea because they split light between multiple focal points. Conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or corneal irregularities can reduce clarity and worsen visual quality with multifocals. In these cases, monofocal or EDOF lenses are safer and more predictable. A detailed eye exam determines suitability.
10. What factors determine how glasses-free I’ll be after surgery?
Lens choice plays a major role, but accurate measurements and astigmatism correction are equally important. Eye length, corneal shape and lens positioning all influence results. Premium lenses require precise biometry for best performance. Your lifestyle and tolerance for visual side effects also guide the choice. A personalised assessment ensures the most glasses-free outcome.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the IOL That Truly Fits Your Life
Choosing the right IOL is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your vision, and the good news is that there really isn’t a “wrong” choice. Modern lenses are exceptionally advanced, but each one is designed with a different lifestyle in mind. If your top priority is to minimise glasses as much as possible especially for reading and close work multifocal lenses typically offer the greatest level of independence. If you prefer a smooth, natural range of vision with fewer side effects, EDOF lenses provide an excellent balance. And if clarity, contrast and predictability are what matter most, monofocal lenses, with or without monovision, remain a superb and highly reliable option.
Ultimately, the best lens is the one that aligns with your own priorities and daily activities. When you understand how each option performs in real life not just on paper you’ll be well equipped to choose the lens that gives you the freedom, clarity and confidence you’re looking for. If you’re looking to IOL surgery in London, our specialist team at the London Cataract Centre is here to help. Your vision deserves the right choice, and we’re here to ensure you make it with confidence.
Reference:
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2. Barberá-Loustaunau, E. et al., 2025. Visual Results After Extended Depth-of-Focus Lens Implantation: A Recent Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 14(8), 2795. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/8/2795
3. Comparative efficacy and safety of all kinds of intraocular lenses in presbyopiacorrecting cataract surgery: a systematic review and metaanalysis Li, J. et al. (2024). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11020619/ P
4. Effect of Prior LaserAssisted in Situ Keratomileusis on the Calibration Accuracy of Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses: A Direct Comparative Study Lin, I.-H., Chao, C.-C. & Chang, C.-K. (2025). Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/15/7/301
5. Tahhan, N. et al., 2022. Clinical outcomes of an extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens in patients with glaucoma. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39592543/