Compare lens strategies
This is a high‑level comparison of common strategies. Your individual outcome depends on measurements, eye health, and how your brain adapts. Use this page as a discussion aid with your surgeon.
Quick selector
Pick the statement closest to your priorities.
| Option | Best for | Typical downsides | What to ask your surgeon | Glasses likely? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal (distance in both eyes) Predictable |
Maximising clarity and contrast; minimising night artefacts; straightforward expectations. | Reading glasses for near work; may still need glasses for intermediate tasks depending on target and tasks. | What distance target will you aim for? How will you manage my astigmatism? What is my likely uncorrected distance vision? | Near: yes Distance: often no |
| Toric monofocal Astigmatism |
People with meaningful corneal astigmatism who want better uncorrected distance clarity. | Still single‑focus; alignment matters; residual astigmatism can persist. | How much astigmatism do I have? What rotation risk exists? What is the plan if residual astigmatism remains? | Near: yes |
| EDOF More range |
Strong intermediate needs (computer, dashboard, casual near) with fewer night symptoms than some multifocals. | Reading glasses often still required for fine print; possible haloes/glare and reduced contrast for some. | What range should I realistically expect? How common are night symptoms in your patients? How do you screen suitability? | Near: often |
| Multifocal / Trifocal Optical trade‑offs |
Highest priority is reducing dependence on glasses across near/intermediate/distance. | Higher chance of haloes, glare/starbursts, waxy vision, reduced contrast—especially at night; may be less forgiving of dry eye or retinal issues. | Am I a good candidate given my cornea/retina? What are your rates of troublesome haloes? What is the plan if I'm unhappy (enhancement / exchange)? | Sometimes no May still need |
| Monovision Adaptation required |
People who want fewer readers but prefer monofocal optics; those who already tolerate monovision with contacts. | Some feel imbalance, headaches, reduced depth perception; adaptation varies; may dislike the “different eyes” feeling. | Can we simulate with contact lenses? Can we do mini‑monovision first? Can we stage targets between eyes? | Less often Sometimes |
| “Distance + readers” (deliberate glasses use) Simple |
People who value predictability and are comfortable wearing reading glasses. | Need readers; possibly intermediate glasses for heavy computer work depending on needs. | What readers strength is likely? Would a mild intermediate target suit my lifestyle better? | Yes (near) |
A note on “experimenting” between eyes
Many people like the idea of testing one strategy in the first eye, then adjusting the second eye based on real‑world experience. This can work, but it has a key limitation: binocular vision is different from monocular vision. A single eye set for near can feel acceptable alone, but uncomfortable once both eyes are open (or vice versa).
Practical approach: if you are considering monovision, a contact lens simulation (or a pre‑surgery glasses/contacts trial)
can provide a more realistic “both eyes open” preview than relying on the interval between surgeries.