Frequently Asked Questions
About Cataract Lenses
Everything you want to know about cataracts, intraocular lenses (IOLs), cataract surgery, and more.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye that causes your vision to appear hazy.1 Cataracts happen gradually as your eyes get older, and the natural lens will eventually need to be removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens in order for you to see clearly.1
Symptoms of cataracts include1: • Clouded, blurred, or dim vision • Reduced quality of night vision • Light sensitivity • Difficulty reading • Fading of colours • Double vision in a single eye
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted during surgery to replace your cataract lens and restore vision. Unlike contact lenses, which must be removed, cleaned, and reinserted, an IOL remains in the eye after surgery.2 You can choose from many different types of IOLs—some are designed to provide only distance vision, while trifocal lenses deliver near, intermediate, and distance vision for clear, complete focus. After a surgeon removes your cataract-clouded lens, he or she will implant the IOL that you choose before your procedure.2
IOLs do not break down and almost never need to be replaced except in rare cases.3 Learn more about cataract surgery and download our doctor discussion guide here.
A trifocal lens is an IOL that is specifically engineered to provide vision at every distance, from near, to arm's length and far away. It can reduce your need to wear glasses.4-8 Learn more about trifocal IOLs here.
A monofocal lens is an IOL with a fixed focus for one distance only, usually distance. After cataract surgery, a person who has monofocal lenses (for distance vision) implanted in both eyes would need glasses to see clearly at near distances. However, advanced monofocal IOLs go further—offering clear distance vision and functional intermediate vision for everyday tasks like using a computer or seeing the dashboard.9 Learn more about advanced monofocal IOLs here.
An EDOF IOL, or extended depth of focus intraocular lens, is a type of lens that is designed to provide a continuous range of vision from far to intermediate with functional near vision, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. EDOF IOLs work by creating a gentle blending of the light that enters the eye, which helps to minimize drop in binocular mesopic contrast sensitivity (the ability to identify differences in shadings and patterns and perceive details like outlines of objects in low to moderate light conditions)* and reduce glare, making it easier to see in different lighting conditions.8,10-12 EDOF IOLs are a great option for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses and have improved vision in dim light after cataract surgery.11 If this is the vision you were hoping for, EDOF IOLs could be an option. Learn more about EDOF IOLs here.
*vs the aspheric monofocal control.
Cataract surgery is usually completed within 15 to 20 minutes.13
The cost of your surgery is based on a lot of things—like your location, your doctor, your co-pay requirement, and the lens you choose wth your doctor. Talk to your surgeon’s office; they will work with your insurer to determine how much you will need to pay. Learn more about the cost of cataract surgery and see what costs are typically covered by insurance here.
Most people rest for a few hours after surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a protective shield over your eye for several days. Your doctor will also prescribe eye drops for you to take for about a month after surgery to help healing, prevent infection and reduce inflammation and eye pressure.2,10 Additionally, your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, usually a day or two after surgery, one week after and a month later.2
No, cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you should be able to return home on the same day as your surgery.2
You should not drive for up to 24 hours after your cataract surgery.
Ask your doctor at your follow-up visit if you are cleared to travel.
You should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after cataract surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about certain activities.
IOLs usually last a lifetime.3
Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s natural lens which has become cloudy (cataract) and replacing it with an IOL. Different IOLs serve different functions depending on the vision issues you are trying to correct. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to decide on the best IOL option to meet your needs. Learn more about cataract surgery and download our doctor discussion guide here.
Deciding which IOL is best for you will depend on a combination of factors including your medical history, past and current eye health, as well as your lifestyle (i.e., your need for near vision, or how often you drive at night). It’s important to discuss your vision goals with your ophthalmologist to help determine the best possible IOL choice for you. Learn more about cataract surgery and download our doctor discussion guide here.
REFERENCES
1. Cataracts. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 28, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790.
2. Cataract Surgery. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 9, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2025. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20012917.
3. OAV Team. How Long Can IOL Implants Last? Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley website. October 6, 2020. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://oaveyes.com/blog/how-long-can-iol-implants-last.
4. CLR® PO® Trifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL Instructions for Use.
5. Kohnen T, Lapid-Gortzak R, Ramamurthy D, et al. Clinical outcomes after bilateral implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens: A worldwide pooled analysis of prospective clinical investigations. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:155-163.
6. Zhu D, Ren S, Mills K, Hull J, Dhariwal M. Rate of complete spectacle independence with a trifocal intraocular lens: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023;12(2):1157-1171.
7. terHorst C. Choosing an Artificial Lens for Cataract Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). March 31, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/best-artificial-lens-IOL-cataract-surgery.
8. Masters JS. Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). September 18, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://eyewiki.org/Presbyopia-Correcting_IOLs.
9. Micheletti JM, Duncan NB, Hall B. Head-to-Head comparison of intermediate vision of two monofocal intraocular lenses. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:3983-3990.
10. MacMillan C. New Cataract Surgery Options Can Restore Your Vision. Yale Medicine. Updated August 18, 2022. Accessed November, 2025. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/cataract-surgery-options.
11. Alcon Data on File, 2023. [REF-25718].
12. CLR® VIV® Extended Vision Hydrophobic IOL (CNWET0) Directions for Use.
13. Haddrill M. Cataract surgery recovery: 8 tips to minimize recovery time. All About Vision. February 26, 2019. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/vision-surgery/cataract/cataract-surgery-recovery/.
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Please refer to relevant product direction for use for complete list of indications, contraindications and warnings.
