Multifocal lenses (trifocal lenses) instead of visual aids: see clearly at all distances
Multifocal lenses are used for permanent correction of presbyopia and cataracts. They replace the natural lens that can no longer fulfill its original function to the full extent due to age (presbyopia) or clouding (cataract).
Multifocal lenses have several (multi: Latin for “many”), but at least two focal points. Trifocal lenses have three focal points – one for near vision, one for intermediate distance vision and one for distance vision. This allows them to provide patients with optimal vision at all distances after treatment.
Permanent correction of presbyopia
A trifocal/multifocal lens treatment is like an eye rejuvenation. The decrepit lens is replaced by a highly functional, modern artificial lens. This is so soft and flexible that the eye is again able to adjust optimally to different distances, just like when it was young.
Multifocal lens surgery at a glance
Anaesthesia
First, the eye to be treated is anesthetized with eye drops. In this way, the treatment is usually completely painless.
Preparation
Then the ophthalmologist gently removes the age-weakened lens through a small opening on the cornea.
Use of the lens
The ophthalmologist gently inserts the multifocal lens into the eye. The lens assumes the optimal position in the eye within a few seconds.
Healing
After the treatment, a light bandage protects the eye, which can be removed the very next day. Healing is completed within a few days.
Advantages of trifocal/multifocal lens treatment
Permanent correction of presbyopia
The natural lens, marked by age, is exchanged for an artificial lens similar to the young eye. A renewed presbyopia can not occur.
Simultaneous correction of already existing refractive errors
If nearsightedness or farsightedness and/or astigmatism is present, it can be corrected in the same treatment.
Prevention/simultaneous co-treatment of cataracts by lens exchange
Lens replacement simultaneously eliminates or effectively prevents cataracts.
Outpatient, painless treatment thanks to anesthetic eye drops
Thanks to anesthetic eye drops, most of our patients find the treatment completely painless.
Increase in quality of life due to extensive freedom from visual aids
Due to multiple focal points of the state-of-the-art lenses, many of our patients permanently no longer need any further visual aids.
One time costs
Regular costs for new glasses and contact lenses are usually a thing of the past after tri-/multifocal lens treatment.
Frequently asked questions about multifocal lenses (FAQ)
Here are the most common questions patients ask about multifocal lens implantation.
A multifocal lens is used in place of the natural lens in the eye and thus takes on its function. It has three focal points, enabling near, far and intermediate vision.
Trifocal/multifocal lenses are suitable for people with presbyopia or cataracts.
After the eyes have been numbed with eye drops, the natural, presbyopic lens is removed through a tiny opening at the edge of the cornea and replaced with an artificial, state-of-the-art lens. The treatment only takes a few minutes. Usually both eyes are treated on two consecutive days.
In the first 24 hours after the procedure, the eye recovers significantly and visual acuity gradually improves. However, it may take a few weeks to achieve optimal vision.
As a rule, you will be able to go back to your usual activities the day after the procedure, but you should limit them to a reasonable level. In any case, strenuous activities should be avoided.
No, you do not feel the lens as it takes the place of your natural lens.
During several follow-up examinations, your doctor will carefully examine and monitor your eyes. Strict adherence to your drip schedule will ensure that complications are very rare.
Multifocal lenses cost around €2.700 per eye. Billing according to GOÄ after completion of the treatment.
Multifocal lenses have several focal points, i.e. they are optimized for seeing at several (=multi) distances. A distinction is made between bifocal lenses, which are intended to enable good near and far vision, and trifocal lenses, which, with three focal points, aim to achieve complete independence from glasses and contact lenses. Trifocal lenses are optimized for near, far and medium-distance vision (the so-called intermediate range). We recommend our patients to use trifocal lenses if the eye and the ametropia to be corrected are suitable for such a lens treatment.
A multifocal lens usually lasts a lifetime.
As a result, most patients can completely dispense with visual aids or at least reduce them to a minimum. This is a clear advantage of tri-/multifocal lenses over monofocal lenses. The monofocal lens has only one focal point (mónos, Greek for single), which is why it only allows sharp near or distance vision. In this case, the patient is still frequently dependent on glasses.