What is Monofocal Lens? Price in India, Types & Benefits

A monofocal lens corrects vision at one distance, allowing the patient to see clearly. It works by correcting the vision for either near or far distances. If you prefer to see far distances, opt for a monofocal lens for near-sightedness.

A monofocal lens is used to replace the old lens that had cataracts. This new artificial lens is called an intraocular lens or IOL, and a monofocal lens is a type of IOL.

Many monofocal lens types curing different kinds of vision problems are available. The three main monofocal lens types are:

1. Spherical monofocal lens

2. Aspheric monofocal lens

3. Toric monofocal lens

Monofocal lenses are the most commonly used lenses after cataract surgery. However, the best eye lens after cataract surgery depends on the vision and the refractive error, which has to be corrected.

Opting for monofocal or premium lenses benefits cataract surgery to a new level. Even though monofocal lenses improve vision, one may still require reading glasses to view objects close up and at a distance.

A monofocal lens is smaller than a contact lens, measuring approximately 11 to 13 mm in diameter. The thickness of the lens depends on the refractive power.

A monofocal lens is well-manufactured and reliable and has been used for cataract surgeries for a long time. Other benefits include:

1. Less expensive than other types

2. Require less maintenance

3. Provide clear vision at a specific distance - either far or near

Monofocal lenses come with a lot of benefits as well as drawbacks. Some of the pros and cons of monofocal lenses include the following:

1. Pros: 

1. Reliability (as they have been in use for a long time)

2. Well-manufactured

3. Easy to maintain 

4. Less expensive

2. Cons:

1. There is only one distance that is corrected

2. For the other distance, glasses are needed

Yes, anyone who has cataracts can opt for a monofocal lens. These lenses are affordable and effective in curing problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.

There are various types of lenses available, and the right lens depends on the needs. Some of the things that may play a role may be:

1. If you are okay with wearing contact lenses or glasses after a cataract surgery, a monofocal lens is a good choice. 

2. If you have astigmatism and want to avoid wearing glasses for long-distance vision, then a toric lens is ideal. 

3. Opt for a presbyopia-correcting lens if you want to avoid wearing glasses for distance and reading.

A monofocal lens is an intraocular lens implanted in the eye as a replacement for the natural lens. It is done in the following way:

1. The natural lens is first removed by a process called phacoemulsification. 

2. A small incision is made in the cornea, and the cataract containing the lens is broken into small pieces. 

3. The monofocal lens is then implanted through the same incision, so it sits on the same capsule as the natural lens. 

The recovery period after a monofocal lens implantation is short. Within a couple of days, vision will start to improve. In approximately 8 weeks, the eyes fully heal, and vision gets stable.

Monofocal lenses are cheaper in comparison to multifocal lenses. The monofocal lens price usually ranges from ₹ 25,000 and can go up to ₹ 55,000 per eye.

Just like any other surgery, some risks are associated with monofocal lens implantation too. 

1. Some side effects include macular oedema, in which part of the retina gets swollen. 

2. In some cases, a second surgery might be required to replace, reposition, or remove the lens to repair the structure of the eye. Though, these risks are rare. 

A monofocal intraocular lens is used to correct vision after cataract surgery. 

1. These lenses have a single focus and correct vision for a certain distance — near or far only. 

2. Usually, monofocal lenses are used to correct far-distance vision, and people who have such lenses need reading glasses to view things at a short distance. 

A standard monofocal lens is used to clear vision at either a near or far distance. Usually, doctors use monofocal lenses to provide clear distance vision.
If you want to get clear distance vision, opt for a near-sightedness monofocal lens. You will then need glasses to read a book or while using the phone. 

The current prescription determines if glasses are needed after a monofocal lens implantation. 

1. If you get a monofocal lens to improve distance vision, glasses will be required for reading. 

2. Similarly, monofocal lenses for short-sightedness will require glasses to view things at a distance.

A standard monofocal lens does not correct astigmatism. To cure astigmatism with a lens, a toric lens is required. If you opt for monofocal lenses, you will need to wear glasses to correct astigmatism.

The focal point of a monofocal lens is fixed. Hence,

1. If your lens is set to distance, you can watch TV or drive without the need for spectacles or contact lenses. 

2. If the lens is set to near, you might need glasses to watch TV.

Monofocal lenses might make it difficult for people to drive at night, as they can cause glares and halos. This is because the light rays have a different focus in these lenses.
Additionally, you might require frequent doctor check-ups to ensure that the vision is optimal.

Monofocal lenses for cataracts are the most commonly used intraocular lens. The success rates for these lenses are high, and they can restore vision at a specific distance. The success rate is higher than 90%.