# Trifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOL)

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/trifocal-intraocular-lenses

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-05

> **Summary:** Trifocal (multifocal) intraocular lenses replace the eye's natural lens and give clear vision without glasses at near, intermediate and far distances. They are generally implanted in cataract patients aged 40 and over, and also in people without cataract who want to be free of glasses through refractive lens exchange.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation Duration:** 15-20 minutes per eye
- **Recovery Time:** Back to daily life in 3-4 days, full recovery in 3-4 weeks
- **Anaesthesia Type:** Topical eye drops (light sedation if needed)
- **Surgical Technique:** Phaco
- **Lens Lifespan:** Lifelong; replacement not recommended without medical need

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## What Is a Trifocal Intraocular Lens?
A premium acrylic lens that replaces the natural lens and focuses light to three points through rings with different refractive powers, so far, intermediate and near activities can be done without glasses. Single-focal lenses, by contrast, leave the patient needing reading glasses. The lens stays in the eye for life and is not removed and reinserted like a contact lens.

## Who Is It For?
- Cataract patients, generally aged 40 and over, whose eye structure is suitable.
- People with presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia or a high prescription who want to live without glasses (via refractive lens exchange).
- Satisfaction is described as high especially in patients with hyperopia.
- There is no specific upper age limit.
- Profession, age, prescription and expectations are weighed; I-TRACE analysis and visual simulation help choose the lens.

**Not suitable for:**
- Severe dry eye.
- Macular degeneration, retinal and macular disease.
- Retinal problems due to diabetes (diabetes alone does not rule out a lens; the retina is examined first).
- Uveitis.
- Serious eye diseases affecting vision quality, such as corneal irregularities (FAQ).

In advanced glaucoma these lenses require caution; the decision is made by the doctor. People who are not suitable can have cataract and other treatments in other ways.

## Lens Types

| Lens type | How it works | Who it suits | Advantages | Considerations |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Monofocal** | Single focus, usually far | Cataract patients who do not mind keeping reading glasses | Sharpest distance vision, least night-time glare, most affordable | Reading glasses still needed, limited intermediate vision |
| **Monofocal Toric** | Monofocal that also corrects astigmatism | Cataract patients with significant astigmatism | Corrects astigmatism in one go, sharp distance vision | Reading glasses still needed, precise positioning required |
| **Trifocal (Multifocal)** | Far, intermediate and near focus | Those wanting freedom from glasses who do little night driving | Glasses-free at every distance | Halos around lights at night in the first 6 months, adaptation time |
| **Trifocal (Multifocal) Toric** | Trifocal that also corrects astigmatism | People with astigmatism who want to live without glasses | Complete solution in one operation | Halos at night in the first 6 months, extra charge for the astigmatism correction |
| **EDOF** | Extended depth of focus; near focus around 40 cm instead of 30 cm (about 10 cm further out than a trifocal) | Previous laser surgery, very sharp distance vision wanted, long night driving | Very sharp far and intermediate, fewer halos, phone and computer without glasses | Reading glasses may be needed for very small print |

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## Prices

All packages include: accommodation (4 nights, free in the clinic or affordable rates at partner hotels), 3 meals a day, round-trip airport transfers (IST or SAW pickup and transfers to the hospital in Kadıköy), doctor examination, all eye tests, lenses and operation, surgery control, pay on-site with no prepayment, and English, German, Spanish and Dutch speaking support before and after surgery. Package prices do not change with your prescription; for astigmatism a toric lens option is available at a separate price. (The body also says prices vary with the lens type and the operation and the plan is set after examination.)

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

The hospital uses FDA-approved multifocal lenses from brands such as Alcon, Zeiss and Johnson & Johnson. Patients have been treated since 2002.

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## The Treatment Journey
- **Before:** Detailed evaluation of general health and eye structure; the lens choice is a one-time decision explained before surgery.
- **During:** The natural lens is removed with phaco and the trifocal lens implanted, under anaesthetic drops, 15-20 minutes per eye.
- **After:** Back to daily life in 3-4 days, full recovery in 3-4 weeks; regular check-ups help spot problems early.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
Among the most common operations in the world, with a very high success rate; risks are unlikely and mostly treatable.
- **Infection:** Very rare; antibiotic drops before and after surgery minimise it.
- **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.
- **Night halos and glare:** First weeks, usually fade considerably as the brain adapts.
- **Retinal detachment:** Very rare; sudden flashes, new floaters or a shadow need immediate contact.

## Understanding Your Prescription
A prescription is usually valid for two years. Sphere (SPH): minus (−) for distance trouble, plus (+) for near; Cylinder (CYL): astigmatism; Axis: 0 to 180 degrees; Addition (ADD): near power usually after 40; Prism: only for double vision or squint.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: I want to get rid of my glasses. Is a multifocal lens a solution?**
A: Trifocal lenses can be implanted through refractive lens exchange in people without cataract, but not everyone is suitable; age and eye structure are evaluated in detail.

**Q: Is there an age limit?**
A: No specific upper limit. They are generally recommended over 40, when presbyopia begins, and are used in cataract, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

**Q: Is a trifocal lens suitable for every eye?**
A: No. Suitability and visual simulation are assessed with I-TRACE before surgery. Serious eye diseases affecting vision quality, such as retinal problems or corneal irregularities, may rule it out.

**Q: I am diabetic. Can I have an intraocular lens?**
A: Diabetes alone does not rule it out. If it has affected the retina (diabetic retinopathy), a trifocal may not suit, so the retina is examined in detail first.

**Q: Can a multifocal lens be replaced later?**
A: Replacement is not recommended without medical necessity, so the lens choice must be made carefully. With suitable patients and experienced surgeons, success and satisfaction are high.

**Q: Which brands are used?**
A: FDA-approved lenses from Alcon, Zeiss and Johnson & Johnson, the most preferred brands worldwide.

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## References
- Trifocal Intraocular Lenses, EyeWiki
- Intraocular Lenses (IOL) for Cataract Surgery, AAO