Which lens to chose

To get better comments you should post the brand and model of the lenses you are considering. When you said "multi focal distance for $1100" did you really mean "monofocal" for distance? In the no glasses needed option there are many choices, all quite different, and all with their pros and cons. The devil is in the detail.

When you say MF do you mean a bi-focal. A bi-focal should provide distance and close. I have the Tecnis MF +2.75 in my left eye. In general bi-focal has fallen out of favor for the tri-focal.

I am surprised there is a $2K difference in one premium lens over another, so I am a bit confused.

You need state what specific IOLs you are looking at.

Thank you, I will try to find out

Here is some information I got from the internet and modified it a bit to cover the two more popular brands in the US - J&J Tecnis and Alcon AcrySof.

Understanding the various lens options for cataract surgery is essential before making your lens choice during the preoperative visit. Your overall eye health (dry eyes, corneal irregularity, previous LASIK, or macular degeneration), prescription, and the amount of corneal astigmatism that you have will play a big part in determining which lenses will give you the best results.

The primary decision is the type of vision you want to have after surgery:

Good Distance Vision – but wear reading glasses

Good Reading Vision – but wear distance glasses

Good Distance Vision plus Computer Vision

Good Distance, Computer, and Reading Vision

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Monovision – distance vision in one eye and reading vision in the other eye. I only recommend this option in patients that have done this previously with contact lenses, since many patients cannot tolerate monovision. Monovision limits depth perception, which can diminish balance and increase the risk of falling.

The main types of intraocular lenses are:

Single Vision (Tecnis Monofocal ZCB00 or AcrySof IQ Aspheric Monofocal) It can be calculated to be used for either distance vision OR reading vision. If you choose distance vision, you need to wear glasses for reading. If you prefer reading vision, you need to wear glasses for distance. This lens does not correct for astigmatism, so if you have corneal astigmatism, you will likely see better wearing bifocal or progressive glasses to correct for this condition. Single Vision is the only type of lens covered by Medicare and insurance, so there is no extra out-of-pocket expense for this lens.

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Toric (Tecnis Toric or AcrySof Toric) — similar to the single vision lens, but corrects for astigmatism. This allows patients with astigmatism to see well in the distance OR near, and then wear glasses for the other one. Insurance, Medicare, and secondary insurances do not cover this lens, so there is an out-of-pocket expense.

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Extended Vision (Tecnis Symfony, AcrySof Vivity or toric versions of these) — this lens offers a continuous range from distance to mid-range. Halos are less common than traditional multifocal lenses, and patients often use reading glasses for fine print or extended reading. There is an out-of-pocket expense for this lens. Vivity may be more free of halos than the Symfony, but also not as good for reading smaller print.

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Trifocal (Alcon Panoptix, Panoptix Toric) — gives good distance, computer, and reading vision. Some patients may see halos or starbursts in certain light conditions. There is an out-of-pocket expense for this lens.

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There are other versions of these lenses, but these are some of the more common options. The most common choice made for a lens is the monofocal single vision option for distance, and the use of reading glasses. It is the least expensive, and most certain of quality vision. Other options for a wider range of vision are more expensive and can have some undesirable side effects. They are mainly used by those who really want to be eyeglasses free, and are prepared to accept the side effects.

Wow, thank you for all of the helpful information. I postponed the evalulation and same day surgery because I was not informed of my options and the the MF lenses have to be ordered. So my two choices are mono (free) or multi $3,200.) Multi includes Symphoni, Panoptixs (which from what I gather is superior to Symphini and now Vivity.

I used to have 20/20, then became far sighted, needing reading glasses, which I got off the rack. I was ALWAYS losing them so I had about 25 pairs.

Then everything switched and I could see books and computers but not far. So I got bifocals for that, and only wore them to drive.

Then all of the sudden everything far is blurry and I need to see to drive and read street addresses. Not to mention the other issues of feeling driving blind in sun or rain.

Difficult choice. Readers are a pain and would be expensive to replace when I lose them. But if I got the close up lens, then I guess I would have to wear trifocals all the time to see far and between close and far????

Please please realize that all lens are not perfect and there are disadvantages to anything you choose. Also if your doctor is GUARANTEEing 2020 vision, run away. There is no way anyone can guarantee that after lens replacement