Monofocal lenses – the proven classic

The classic standard lens in modern eye surgery is suitable for both cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. Monofocal lenses offer crystal-clear vision at a certain distance and the highest optical quality.

Special features and advantages

Monofocal lenses are the gold standard in lens surgery and offer decisive advantages:

• Excellent distance vision for clear vision when driving and in nature
• Excellent contrast perception for optimum visual quality even in difficult lighting conditions
• Minimal optical side effects such as glare or halos
• Immediate adaptation without a long familiarization period
• Proven technology with decades of clinical experience

Who are monofocal lenses ideal for?

Monofocal lenses are particularly suitable for:

• Patients with cataracts who want a reliable, proven solution
• People with high myopia or hyperopia who require precise correction
• People who do not find reading glasses annoying and want maximum optical quality
• Patients with high contrast requirements, such as professional drivers or pilots
• People with specific eye conditions for which other lens types may be contraindicated

Living with monofocal lenses

After the implantation of monofocal lenses, you will notice:

• Lenses optimized for distance vision offer excellent vision when driving and for all activities in the distance.
• Close-up vision is supported by modern, lightweight reading glasses that you only wear when necessary.
• The viewing experience is very natural and corresponds to familiar vision, but with significantly improved quality.
• Adaptation is usually easy and does not require a long familiarization phase.

State-of-the-art lens materials and design

The latest generation of monofocal lenses uses advanced materials and designs:

• High-purity acrylic polymers for optimum compatibility
• Aspherical optics for improved edge sharpness and reduced optical aberrations
• Integrated UV protection for long-lasting retinal protection
• Special surface treatments for optimum wetting and long-term stability

Further reading on cataract surgery

• Cataract surgery: procedure, lenses and costs
• Monofocal, EDOF or multifocal compared
• EDOF lenses: distance to screen
• Multifocal lenses: life without varifocals
• Choosing your intraocular lens
• Laser touch-up after lens implant

Monofocal-plus: more intermediate range without halos

The latest development of the monofocal lens is the so-called monofocal-plus lens (also ‘enhanced monofocal’). Its optics extend the range of sharpness slightly beyond distance: dashboards, shop shelves and a screen at arm’s length are seen noticeably better than with a classic monofocal lens. For small print a light pair of reading glasses usually remains necessary.

The decisive difference to multifocal lenses: the monofocal-plus lens does not split light into several focal points. Halos and glare therefore stay at the low level of the classic monofocal lens, and contrast is almost fully preserved. This makes it the right choice for people who work a lot at a screen but want to drive safely at night. At EyeLaser Vienna the monofocal-plus lens also costs €3,500 per eye, with no surcharge over the standard lens.

Toric monofocal lens for astigmatism

Around one in three cataract patients has astigmatism that distorts the image even after the lens exchange if it is not corrected at the same time. The toric monofocal lens contains a cylinder correction that is aligned precisely with the axis of the cornea. From about 0.75 dioptres of astigmatism it is superior to the classic monofocal lens, because otherwise glasses for distance would remain necessary despite a perfect lens. Whether a toric variant makes sense is shown by the corneal measurement in the pre-examination.

Monovision: two monofocal lenses, two distances

An alternative to multifocal lenses is monovision: the dominant eye is set for distance, the other slightly for near. The brain combines both images; many patients thus manage daily life largely without glasses, without the halos of multifocal lenses. Not everyone tolerates this division, which is why it can be tried out with contact lenses before surgery. A mild form (mini-monovision) is often chosen, which hardly affects depth perception.

Procedure and costs at EyeLaser Vienna

It starts with the pre-examination for €200, in which cornea, eye length, pupil and tear film are measured; from this the lens power is calculated to a hundredth of a dioptre. The operation itself is performed on an outpatient basis under topical anaesthesia and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The clouded lens is removed through an opening of about two millimetres, the folded artificial lens is inserted and unfolds in the capsular bag. Optionally a femtosecond laser performs the incisions and the opening of the lens capsule (€1,000).

Cataract surgery including a monofocal lens costs €3,500 per eye at EyeLaser Vienna. The price is the same for every lens type, whether monofocal, monofocal-plus, toric, EDOF or multifocal. The choice is therefore made purely on medical criteria and your visual habits, not on budget. Most patients see noticeably better the day after surgery; the final result settles after a few weeks.

FAQ about monofocal lenses

Will I definitely need reading glasses after the operation? With the standard setting for distance vision, you will need reading glasses for near vision. This is the natural state that most people know from before presbyopia set in.

Can I opt for a close-up setting? Yes, the monofocal lens can also be optimized for near vision. In this case, you would need glasses for distance vision. The decision depends on your personal priorities.

What is monovision? With monovision, one eye is optimized for distance vision and one for near vision. This can be an alternative to multifocal lenses, but requires good adaptability of the brain. We can test this option in advance with contact lenses.

Can I change to a different lens later? A later exchange of the intraocular lens is not a routine procedure and is not offered at EyeLaser. The choice of lens type should therefore be well measured and well considered. If a residual refractive error remains, it can be corrected later with a laser treatment.

Your decision for monofocal lenses

Monofocal lenses are the right choice if you value:

• Highest optical quality without compromise
• Maximum contrast perception, especially in low light conditions
• Minimal optical side effects
• Fast, uncomplicated adaptation

In a personal consultation, we analyze your individual visual requirements and your eye anatomy to find the best solution for you.

Arrange a consultation | Back to overview