# Who is eligible for IOLs (Multifocal Lens)?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/intraocular-lens-treatments/who-is-eligible-for-iols-smart-lens

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-05

> **Summary:** Multifocal lenses are intraocular lenses placed inside the eye to give clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. They are chosen mainly by patients over 40 with cataract, with a prescription too high or a cornea too thin for laser, or who cannot see near and far clearly; the lens is placed in about 15-20 minutes per eye under anaesthetic drops without hospitalisation.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** About 15-20 minutes per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** Anaesthetic eye drops, no general anaesthesia
- **Hospital stay:** None; eyes usually operated on separate days, most often the next day, or both on the same day if the surgeon considers it suitable
- **Stitches:** None
- **First check-up:** One day after the procedure

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## Who is Eligible for Multifocal Lenses?
- Patients over 40 years of age whose cornea is too thin to be corrected by laser
- Patients over 40 years of age whose prescription is too high to be corrected with laser
- Patients over 40 years of age who cannot see far or near or both clearly
- Patients with cataract
- Patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery, for whom multifocal lenses are usually recommended
- The lenses may not suit everyone; other solutions are sought in that case

## What is a Multifocal Lens?
Lenses placed inside the eye and customised to the visual impairment. They give clear vision at far, near and medium distances and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses, including in people with age-related vision problems and after cataract surgery. Intraocular lens surgery is used in cataract, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, and is frequently used for cataract patients over the age of 40.

## Why are Multifocal Lenses Used?
- To eliminate symptoms such as blurred vision, eye strain and headache due to hyperopia
- To correct the vision problems of cataract patients
- To eliminate or alleviate age-related visual impairments
- To reduce vision problems on a very large scale; comfortable vision affects daily life, work and mental balance

## How are Multifocal Lenses Placed in the Eye?

### Before Surgery
- Examination by an ophthalmologist and tests to calculate the power (strength) of the lens to be implanted.
- Any inflammation or similar condition is treated first, with antibiotics and eye drops if needed; surgery is planned if the patient is suitable.

### During Surgery
- The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops; the patient feels nothing.
- The lens is placed in about 15-20 minutes per eye with highly specialised devices; no stitches.
- The eyes are usually operated on separate days, most often the next day; both on the same day if the surgeon considers it suitable.

### After Surgery
- The eye is bandaged; check-up with the doctor one day after the procedure.
- Pain is usually mild; some discomfort is normal, but severe pain needs a doctor.
- Blurred vision may occur because the drops used during the operation enlarge the pupil.
- Drops and medicines must be used exactly on schedule and for the full course.

## Is Multifocal Lens Surgery Risky?
Risks during surgery are extremely low, but the operation should be done by a reliable doctor in a specialist hospital or clinic.
- Infection is the biggest risk; it arises in low hygiene environments, so a hygienic setting is essential.
- Eye bleeding or retinal oedema.
- Success depends on the doctor's experience and skill and the quality of the lens; care is needed to avoid damage to other parts of the eye.