Presbyopia Correcting Lens Simulator
Standard, single focus lenses are often focused at distance during cataract surgery. The depth of field of these lenses is low enough that near vision is blurred for certain purposes, especially reading. Extended depth of focus lenses provide distance vision, as well as enough clarity to make many near tasks possible.
The pictures below approximate the difference between standard intraocular lenses and multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses. Your actual experience of depth of focus is affected by ambient lighting, pupil size, and the task at hand.
Standard Intraocular Lens
Near Image is reading distance
Far image is 60 feet away
Extended Depth of Field/Multifocal Lens
Near Image is reading distance
Far image is 60 feet away
An important side effect of extended depth of focus lenses is reduced contrast. This is simulated below:
Standard Intraocular Lens- Normal Contrast
Multifocal Lens- Reduced Contrast
Multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses will very likely improve your depth of field and decrease your dependence on glasses. At the same time, you may experience unwanted side effects including loss of contrast, glare and halos. Discuss both the desirable and undesirable effects of multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses with your surgical team. Your personality, physique, pathology and predispositions (the 4 P's) may decide whether you want to opt for these lenses.