# Monofocal Lens

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/monofocal-lens

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-17

> **Summary:** Monofocal lenses are single-focus intraocular lenses implanted in place of the natural lens during cataract surgery or lens exchange. They are usually set for distance vision, are simple, economical and quick to adapt to, but glasses are still needed for reading and close work.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** about 15-20 minutes per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** topical eye drops or local anaesthesia, painless
- **Incision:** 2.2 mm (phaco method, lens placed with a special injector)
- **Recovery:** back to daily life in 3-4 days, full recovery in 3-4 weeks
- **Price:** Alcon Clareon Monofocal £850 per eye

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## What It Is
A lens with a single focal point, used mainly to correct distance vision after the clouded natural lens is removed. It is not designed for clear near vision. Cataract is caused by excessive sun exposure, eye trauma, advancing age, toxic chemicals, intensive cortisone use and metabolic changes, and becomes more common after 55-60. Monofocal lenses can also be used in lens exchange without cataract.

## Who It Suits
- Generally patients aged 40 and over; especially older people who want only distance vision corrected.

**Usually suitable:**
- Having cataract surgery
- Clear distance vision is the priority
- Does not mind glasses for near vision
- Wants a single-focus lens that is easy to adapt to
- Has astigmatism (corrected with the toric option)

**Needs a closer look:**
- Wants near and intermediate vision without glasses (multifocal lenses are then discussed)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Advanced glaucoma or retinal disease
- Active eye infection

## Benefits
- Simple, reliable single-focus design with sharpest distance vision and least night-time glare.
- More economical than other lens types.
- Easier, faster adaptation.
- Lasts a lifetime and is not visible from outside.

## Prices
Prices depend on the underlying cause, lens type and operation, set after examination. All packages include accommodation (4 nights), three meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor examination, all eye tests, lenses and operation, surgery control and payment on site. Package prices do not change with the prescription; for astigmatism a toric lens option is available at a separate price.

| Lens | Price (Per Eye) | Method |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Alcon Clareon Monofocal | £850 | Need glasses for reading |
| Alcon Clareon PanOptix Multifocal | £1,275 | Distance & Near & Intermediate |
| Alcon Clareon Vivity | £1,425 | EDOF (extended depth of focus) |
| Johnson & Johnson Odyssey Multifocal (most chosen) | £1,450 | Distance & Near & Intermediate |
| Alcon Clareon PanOptix Pro Multifocal | £1,500 | Distance & Near & Intermediate |
| Johnson & Johnson PureSee (most chosen) | £1,600 | EDOF (extended depth of focus) |
| Johnson & Johnson Odyssey Toric Multifocal | £1,650 | Distance & Near & Intermediate |

## Other Lens Types for Comparison
- **Monofocal Toric:** also corrects astigmatism; reading glasses still needed.
- **Trifocal (Multifocal):** far, intermediate and near; halos at night in the first 6 months.
- **EDOF:** far to intermediate; near focus around 40 cm instead of 30 cm; fewer halos.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
- **Infection:** very rare; antibiotic drops before and after surgery.
- **Temporary rise in eye pressure:** first few days, controlled with drops.
- **Posterior capsule opacification:** months or years later; cleared with a quick, painless YAG laser treatment lasting 1-2 minutes.
- **Temporary dryness, grittiness or redness:** first weeks.
- **Retinal detachment:** very rare; sudden flashes, new floaters or a shadow need immediate contact.

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## The Treatment Journey

### Before Treatment
- General health and eye measurements assessed, eye problems identified, patient expectations considered, then lens and treatment chosen.

### During Treatment
- Topical drops or local anaesthesia; natural lens removed by phaco through 2.2 mm incisions and the lens injected.

### After Treatment
- Keep the treated eye closed overnight.
- From the next day, use the prescribed drops and medications daily.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Are monofocal lenses noticeable?**
A: No, they cannot be seen from outside.

**Q: Can I have monofocal lenses without cataract?**
A: Yes.

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## References
- Intraocular Lenses (IOL) for Cataract Surgery, AAO
- Cataract surgery, NHS
- Cataracts in adults: management (NG77), NICE