If you have implantable contact lenses fitted here at Advanced VisionCare, the chances are that you’ll be benefitting from multifocal implants. These are implants that utilise the latest technology to ensure the best possible results. Read on to find out about some important facts and common questions about multifocal implants.

Why multifocal?
One important reason many people have multifocal implants is that, as their name suggests, they have multiple points of focus. This means that while monofocal lenses only have one point of focus (either near or distance), multifocal lenses are able to offer both.

Is it similar to my natural eye lens?
Multifocal lenses are somewhat different to your natural eye lens. Their purpose is to help compensate for the fact your eye lens changes shape over time. This means that, with age, eye lenses tend to become more monofocal, which causes site problems. The multifocal lens helps you to see both distance and near objects more easily.

Are there different types?
There are a couple of different types of multifocal implants available. Your AVC surgeon will discuss your options with you and recommend which one would be better for your needs. The two main types of implant are diffractive and refractive.

These differ slightly in that the diffractive multifocal implant is especially geared towards excellent distance vision and close vision (such as for reading). This means that if you’re working on things in the middle distance, like on a computer screen, you may need to make small compensations for this.

The refractive multifocal implants offer excellent distance vision and intermediate sight, which can be useful if you do a lot of work on the computer. This means that for close work, you may need to consider reading glasses to prevent eye fatigue.

Based on these two explanations, you should be able to see that you can choose the multifocal implant that would be most appropriate to your lifestyle and the kind of activities you are most likely to be engaged in.

Is there anything I need to be aware of?
One thing you need to be aware of with multifocal implants is that around 25% of patients experience some level of glare, particularly at night. This means that night driving glasses could help you, but most people find that they get used to the sensations after a time.

Is it like a normal lens?
Multifocal implants aren’t like normal contact lenses as they are considerably smaller and are fitted behind your iris. The developments in technology mean that the implanted lens isn’t visible, unlike some of the older models.