Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are the most striking advance in cataract and presbyopia corrective surgery in 25 years. Traditionally, artificial intraocular lens implants were monovision, meaning that they could only focus distance, near or intermediate between the two. However, in most cases, reading glasses or bifocals were still needed to permit fine visual tasks such as small print. Now multifocal intraocular lenses, also known as accommodating IOLs or bifocal IOLs, can eliminate the need for glasses in most patients. Studies have shown that these lenses can help you regain natural youthful vision, allowing you to drive, read, enjoy sports, and work on the computer with little or no need for glasses. At EyeCare Associates of San Francisco we offer our patients the choice between two industry leaders in multifocal IOLs, the Alcon ReSTOR® lens and the crystalens®.

Multifocal IOL Implants for Presbyopia Correction
As our eyes age, the ability of the natural lens to “accommodate” (focus at various distances) diminishes, generally noticeable around age forty. This is called presbyopia and reading glasses or bifocals are often needed. Multifocal intraocular lens implants allow presbyopia patients to become glasses-free once again by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens capable of focusing far and near distances. For this reason multifocal intraocular lenses are often called presbyopia-correcting IOLs.

Multifocal IOL Implants for Cataract Surgery
Aging can also cause the eye’s natural lens to become more opaque, creating a cataract which results in cloudy vision. Cataracts can only be fixed by surgery to replace the natural lens with an artificial lens inside the eye. Now patients undergoing cataract surgery can opt for a high-tech multifocal intraocular lens (either apodized or accommodating intraocular lens), which has the ability to correct vision for distance and near thus minimizing the need for glasses.

Alcon ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens Implant
The ReSTOR® intraocular lens is unique in that it works by combining the strengths of diffractive and refractive technologies. It is the only IOL to utilize apodization, the gradual bending and reduction of the diffractive step heights, to create a smooth transition between distance, intermediate and near focuses. In clinical studies, four out of five patients reported never needing to wear glasses again, compared with one in ten patients who received monovision lens implants.

The crystalens® Accommodating Intraocular Lens Implant
The crystalens® is the first and only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens. It uses the eye’s natural muscle-driven ability to focus and is intended for both cataract removal and presbyopia treatment. In clinical trials, the crystalens® proved capable of providing excellent distance and intermediate vision in most patients.

EyeCare Associates of San Francisco is pleased to offer the latest multifocal lens implants for our patients who wish to restore natural youthful vision after lens surgery. We are a Medicare participating provider and a preferred provider of most major medical service and vision insurance plans. Your intraocular lens implant surgery may be covered in part or in whole by Medicare or your insurance provider. Please email or call if you wish to inquire about insurance plans or have any other questions regarding multifocal intraocular lens implants in the San Francisco Bay Area.