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What You Need To Know About Cataracts
And Cataract Surgery

During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). The right IOL can sharpen distance vision, reduce your need for glasses, and correct astigmatism. Below is a practical review of the most common options we offer at Cataract & Laser Institute. Our fellowship trained and board-certified surgeons have been serving Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, the Oregon Coast and the Rogue Valley since 

Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)

What it is: A unique lens whose prescription can be fine-tuned after surgery using precise, in-office light treatments.
Who it’s for: Patients seeking the most personalized result; post-LASIK/PRK eyes; those sensitive to small refractive errors.

Benefits

  • Custom vision targeting after healing (distance, intermediate, mini-monovision, etc.)
  • Can treat astigmatism with LAL adjustments
  • Added benefit: you can change your intended visual target after cataract surgery without additional surgery

Considerations

  • Requires wearing UV-blocking glasses until the lens is “locked in”
  • Typically 1–3 light adjustments with 2 lock-in treatments
  • Not ideal if follow-up compliance is difficult

Multifocal (and Trifocal) IOLs

What it is: Lenses with multiple focal zones that provide distance, intermediate, and near vision.
Who it’s for: People wanting maximum freedom from glasses, including frequent readers and travelers.
Benefits

  • High rate of spectacle independence across daily activities
  • Toric versions can address astigmatism
    Considerations
  • Some patients notice halos or glare around lights at night
  • Requires a healthy cornea, tear film, and macula for best results
  • Contrast sensitivity can be reduced in low light

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) — Vivity® and similar

What it is: A non-diffractive design that stretches the focus for seamless distance and intermediate vision, with fewer night symptoms than multifocals.
Who it’s for: Drivers and computer users who value night quality and are okay using light readers for fine print.
Benefits

  • Smooth visual range with natural image quality
  • Typically less halo/glare than multifocal designs
  • Toric options available
    Considerations
  • You may need reading glasses for small print or prolonged near work

Apthera IC-8™ Lens: Designed specifically for patients with irregular astigmatism (e.g., keratoconus, post-surgical corneal changes). It uses a small-aperture design to block distorted peripheral light rays, resulting in clearer central vision. In addition to correcting irregular astigmatism, it also provides an extended depth of focus, improving distance, intermediate, and some near vision. 

Apthera IC-8™ is usually placed only in the non-dominant eye due to a dimming effect in vision

Toric Monofocal IOL

What it is: A monofocal lens with built-in power to correct corneal astigmatism.
Who it’s for: Patients with moderate astigmatism who want crisp vision at one focal target of their choice with minimal night symptoms.
Benefits

  • Excellent visual quality; simple optics
  • Often the clearest night vision among premium choices
    Considerations
  • Still requires glasses for other focal points 
  • Precise orientation during surgery is important for best results

Standard (Basic) Monofocal IOL

What it is: A single-focus lens covered by most insurance/Medicare.
Who it’s for: Patients prioritizing reliability and coverage who don’t mind wearing glasses after surgery.
Benefits

  • Proven, dependable option with minimal night symptoms
  • Often fully covered (excluding deductibles/coinsurance)
    Considerations
  • Provides clarity at one distance only 
  • Glasses typically needed for other distances 
  • Does not correct astigmatism 

How We Personalize Your IOL Choice

Your surgeon will measure your eyes, review your visual goals, and discuss your daily activities (night driving, computer work, reading, sports). We also consider:

  • Astigmatism level
  • Ocular surface health (dry eye treatment may be recommended first)
  • Retina/macula status
  • Prior LASIK/PRK or other surgeries
  • Tolerance for potential halos/glare vs desire for glasses independence
  • Ability to attend follow-ups (especially for LAL)

Not sure where to start? Many patients choose EDOF (Vivity) for balanced quality + fewer halos, multifocal for maximum glasses freedom, toric monofocal to minimize glasses at a single target distance, and LAL for the ultimate customization.

Quick Comparison

IOL Type Best For Glasses Dependence Night Symptoms Astigmatism Correction Key Notes
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) Patients who want post-op customization; post-LASIK/PRK; precision-focused Lowest (tuned after surgery) Low Yes — can treat astigmatism with LAL adjustments Can change intended visual target after cataract surgery without additional surgery; 1–3 light adjustments with 2 lock-in treatments; UV-protection glasses worn outside until lock-in
Multifocal/Trifocal Max glasses independence at distance/intermediate/near Lowest for most tasks Possible halos/glare Toric versions available Great for avid readers/travelers; needs healthy macula/tear film
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) — Vivity® Smooth distance + intermediate with fewer halos Low for distance & computer; readers for fine print Typically less than multifocal Toric versions available Non-diffractive design; excellent for night driving & screens
EDOF — Apthera IC-8™ (small-aperture) Irregular astigmatism (e.g., post-surgical cornea, keratoconus) with extended range Low for distance & intermediate; readers for small print Low Masks effects of irregular astigmatism via small-aperture Extended depth of focus; typically placed in only one eye; may cause mild dimming effect
Toric Monofocal Blurry vision from regular corneal astigmatism at distance Low for distance; readers for near Minimal Yes (built-in) Crisp distance vision; simple optical profile
Standard Monofocal Budget/insurance-covered clarity at one focal point Distance or near (not both) Minimal No (unless paired with incisions) Most common, reliable choice; glasses fill the gaps

FAQs

Will insurance cover premium lenses?

Standard monofocal IOLs are typically covered. Premium upgrades (LAL, multifocal, EDOF, toric) involve additional out-of-pocket fees, which we review before surgery.

Can I combine options (e.g., one eye EDOF, one eye monofocal)?

Selective combinations can work very well and may reduce halos while improving range. Your surgeon will recommend safe pairings based on your eyes.

I’ve had LASIK. Which IOL is best?

LAL can be excellent in post-LASIK eyes due to its adjustability. EDOF and toric options are also considered depending on corneal shape and goals.

What if I have dry eye or macular degeneration?

We’ll optimize the ocular surface first. Significant macular disease may limit candidacy for multifocal designs; EDOF or monofocal/toric may be preferred.

Ready to Choose Your Lens?

Schedule a cataract consultation in Medford, Oregon to review your measurements, discuss lifestyle goals, and try in-office vision simulations. We’ll help you pick the lens that fits your eyes—and your life.

Schedule an Appointment