Multifocal lenses may suit people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses for distance, intermediate, and near vision, and who are comfortable accepting some visual trade-offs.
Features of good candidates
The best candidates usually have healthy eyes and realistic expectations. They understand that visual quality is different from single-focus lenses, especially in dim light.
- Motivated to minimise use of both distance and reading glasses
- Healthy cornea, macula, and optic nerve on examination and scans
- Stable prescription with no major eye disease such as advanced glaucoma
- Willing to accept some halos or glare around lights while the brain adapts
- Flexible about still needing weak glasses for very fine print or prolonged reading
Lifestyle factors that help
People who mainly drive in daytime and have varied visual tasks often adapt well. A detailed discussion with the surgeon matches lens design to hobbies, work, and sensitivity to visual phenomena.
- Mixed routine including reading, computer work, and social or outdoor activities
- Limited essential night driving or ability to avoid driving until adaptation occurs
- Patience to allow several weeks or months for neuroadaptation
- Good general health and ability to attend follow-up visits
- Open to using occasional glasses instead of considering this a failure
