Intraocular Lens (IOL) options

Personalised vision correction is achieved through the implantation of a tailored intraocular lens (IOL) following cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery, aiming to reduce your dependence on glasses. We offer a range of premium IOLs and a free lens assessment with our technical team to determine your ideal solution

Full range of focus IOLs

Full range of focus IOLs offer the maximum freedom from glasses by providing clear vision at near (reading), intermediate (computer), and far (driving) distances.
Best suited for people who are highly motivated to achieve spectacle independence who can tolerate some initial visual side effects.

Things to consider:  You may initially notice halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night. While most people adapt (neuroadpation) to these light related effects within three months, some do not.

Patient Feedback: Approximately 97% of people report being satisfied and free of glasses after receiving a full focus IOL.

Extended range of focus (EDoF) IOLs

EDoF IOLs provide a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate.

A key benefit is fewer night-time visual disturbances (halos/glare) compared to full range of focus lenses.

Best suited for: People who are happy to wear glasses for reading and close-range tasks and want to minimise visual side effects.

(Note: Glasses are required for near vision/arm’s length tasks).

Monofocal IOLs

A monofocal IOL focuses vision at a single distance (far, intermediate, or near).

Most people choose to set both lenses for optimal distance vision (e.g., driving, watching TV). This provides high-quality optical clarity with minimal visual side effects (no halos or glare).

However, if both eyes are set for distance, you will need to wear glasses for all tasks within arm’s reach, such as reading, computer work, or seeing food clearly.

Monofocal lenses are the best option if optical clarity is your priority and you don’t mind wearing glasses for near-vision tasks.

Book your free lens assessment

Monovision (blended vision) with monofocal IOLs

Monovision (or blended vision) uses a monofocal lens to correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision. Your brain then blends these inputs, allowing you to see clearly at both ranges with both eyes open.

This technique offers excellent optical clarity with minimal halos or glare. However, it may affect depth perception, and you might still need glasses for very fine print or low-light driving.

Monovision is best suited for those already accustomed to it via contact lenses, and we highly recommend a contact lens trial first.

Astigmatism correction (Toric IOLs)

All of the IOL types discussed above are available in “toric” version. Toric IOLs correct astigmatism (corneal or due to lens tilt).

Customised vision solutions with clear expectations

These options provide highly personalised, tailored solutions. However, it’s important to remember that no premium IOL will perform exactly like a perfectly healthy natural lens did when you were younger.

Referred Health NZ patients

For Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) funded patients, the type of intraocular lens used is set by Health NZ. Premium lenses (EDoF or full range of vision IOLs) are not part of the funded service, and Health NZ does not permit patients to contribute additional payment to access these lenses within the funded pathway.  If you wish to explore premium intraocular lens options, this can only be done through a fully private procedure.

Common Questions

FAQs about Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

When were intraocular lenses (IOL) invented?

The Intraocular Lens (IOL) was invented in 1949 by Sir Harold Ridley who pioneered IOL surgery for cataract patients. Ridley pioneered this treatment in the face of prolonged strong opposition from the medical community. We have Ridley to thank from the humble beginnings for his innovation as today millions of people have benefited from the independence of having their compromised vision restored by an intraocular lens. In the decades since Ridley used the first IOL's materials and surgical technique have improved in the delivery of modern cataract surgery that we have available today.

Can refractive lens exchange OR cataract surgery correct astigmatism?

Yes. All of the different categories of IOLs come in a toric lens design which can elegantly correct astigmatism.

Will I still need glasses after refractive lens exchange OR cataract surgery?

Possibly, depending on the IOL. Even with the most advanced lenses, some patients prefer glasses for very fine print, prolonged reading, or tasks in dim light. We aim for the highest level of visual independence without over promising results.

What vision can I expect after refractive lens exchange OR cataract surgery?

Most patients enjoy a clearer, broader range of vision with less need for glasses. The visual outcome depends on the lens selected:  
  • Monofocal IOLs: provide crisp vision at a set focus, usually correcting for distance vision. Though you can have a monofocal IOL inserted in one eye for clear distance vision and the other eye have a monofocal IOL for near vision, this is called monovision or “blended vision”.
  • Extended range: smooth vision for distance and mid-range activities. Glasses would be required for reading or tasks within arm’s length distance.
  • Full range of vision IOLs: the greatest independence from spectacles across near, intermediate, and distance tasks. You may require magnifying spectacles if you are doing an extremely fine detailed task for a prolonged period.
Your eye surgeon will guide you through the lens options best aligned with your goals.  

How do I find out which vision correction procedure is right for me?

You don't need to work it out yourself — your eyes hold the answer. Whether the best option is a laser procedure (SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK), an ICL, or — from the mid-40s onwards, or if a cataract is developing — Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or cataract surgery, the starting point is the same: a free, no-obligation 30-minute screening assessment with our experienced technical team. We take measurements of your eyes, measure your corneal thickness and evaluate the shape of the cornea, discuss your lifestyle and visual goals, and recommend the procedure that will give your eyes the best result. Book in person at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch or at one of our satellite clinics at locations throughout the South Island in Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown or Nelson, start with a Zoom or phone consultation from anywhere in New Zealand. Alternatively you can start with our two minute online suitability quiz. Call 0800 DR EYES (0800 37 39 37) or book online.

Where do Dr Kent and Dr Munro do Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), cataract and Implantable Contact Lens surgery in Christchurch?

Dr Kent and Dr Munro both perform Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), cataract and Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) eye surgery at Christchurch Eye Surgery, a purpose built eye surgery day stay hospital located at 274 Papanui Road in Christchurch.

Why I should choose Fendalton Eye Clinic for my vision correction surgery?

The expertise and experience of Dr David Kent and Dr Zea Munro combined with the quality of the technology we have at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch.
  • Our staff care about giving you the best result for you as an individual, finding the most appropriate procedure for you based on your unique focusing error and lifestyle requirements.
  • Dr. Kent and Dr Zea Munro are leaders in vision correction eye surgery collectively they have performed over 36,000 laser eye surgery procedures. Dr Kent has performed more LASIK procedures than any other New Zealand eye surgeon. For optimal results surgeon experience counts.
  • We are the only clinic in the South Island to offer you the safety, accuracy and superior results of the Schwind Amaris 1050RS excimer laser, the most advanced excimer laser with it's smart pulse technology and the unparalleled accuracy of a seven dimensional active eye tracker.
  • Every laser eye treatment and every lens surgery is tailor-made to each individual eye.
  • At Fendalton Eye Clinic we have a state-of-the-art purpose-built laser eye surgery theatre, our facility is the only accredited laser eye surgery facility in the South Island of New Zealand.
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