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.  
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