Multifocal Cataract Surgery – Lens Replacement
Medically reviewed by: Prof. Dr. Levent Alimgil · Last updated: 7 September 2026
Multifocal intraocular lens
A multifocal IOL splits incoming light between more than one focal point, aiming to reduce dependence on glasses at both distance and near. It is used in cataract surgery and in refractive lens exchange. Near focal distance and light distribution vary with the lens design.
Who is it suited to?
- Eyes with a healthy retina, optic nerve and macula
- Regular corneal topography without significant irregular astigmatism
- People who do not drive at night extensively and can tolerate haloes and glare
- Patients with realistic expectations who accept an adaptation period
What to know
Splitting light between focal points can slightly reduce contrast sensitivity and cause haloes and glare around lights at night. These effects diminish for most patients over months but may not disappear entirely. Multifocal lenses are avoided in advanced glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and irregular corneas.
Measurement and planning
Accurate power calculation and centration are decisive. Biometry, corneal topography, pupil measurement, macular OCT and, where relevant, tear film assessment are performed. Measurements taken on an untreated dry eye can be misleading. Eyes with previous laser vision correction require special calculation methods.
Cataract Surgery with Multifocal Lens
Multifocal Lenses are prosthetic lenses that are place inside the eye in Multifocal Cataract Surgery. That allows you to see the near and far clearly is called Multifocal Smart Lenses alsoallow you to see far and near distance clearly without glasses. They correct ametropia (nearsightedness) and near (presbyopia). In general, multidimensional lenses are preferred for patients over the age of 40-45 who have Cataracts or have visual impairments that are too high to undergo Laser eye surgery.
How does vision loss occur in cataract disease?
Especially with the increase of Cataract grade, it is possible to experience age-related vision loss at all levels after the age of 60. If you are unsure whether this is due to a Cataract, you may still be eligible for lens replacement surgery. After all, this is an operation in which your natural lens can be replace with an artificial lens. In particular, it is necessary to make a very accurate and careful decision.
If wrong type of lens is use on unsuitable eyes, there will be permanent side effects. Permanent problems such as poor vision, flashing of light, glare at night and similar may occur. In particular, with Myopic (Nearsightedness) patients, if they don’t have Cataract problem, should be very careful if they want to have Multifocal or Trifocal lens replacement surgery. It is a medical fact that, with Hyperopia (Farsightedness) patients, Trifocal or Multifocal lens replacement could be more satisfactory with this treatment. Make sure that our eye surgeons will give you the most accurate information as a result of your examination.
Cataract is relatively easy treatment.
Today, with the advancement of Phaco technology is use in Cataract surgery. Especially since our eye surgeons have wide experience and use new technologies, our patients can operate safely. Our highly experienced and expert eye surgeons will give you clear information to make the right decision. Lens replacement surgeries are very safe and a common surgical procedure performs in our clinics.
Lens selection is the most important issue in Multifocal Cataract Surgery
There are many lens manufacturers available for prosthetic lens selection. Especially our eye surgeons, the decision is take by researching the features of all lens manufacturers and choosing the most suitable one for the patient. The country in which the lens is manufactured is not a priority. The most important thing in lens selection is to determine the most suitable lens for your eye as a result of diagnosis. The most suitable lenses for our patients are offer with alternatives and we can provide for you from the any manufacturer.
Naturally, it may seem difficult for you to decide who to trust, but the most important thing is to take the time to make your decision and research your options thoroughly. We want you to be sure that you will make the right decision for the selection of the most suitable lens for your eyes with our experienced and expert surgeons. For this reason, lenses are not sell in our hospitals in order to offer transparent and clear costs to our patients. We ensure that the most suitable lenses are use for you.
Book for free expert consultation
If you are wondering if you can have Cataract Surgery? You can now make your Cataract consultation appointment from the Smart Laser Eye Center. If lens replacement is not suitable for you, our experts will try to offer you alternative solutions. To learn more about what our centers have to offer and to get answers to your questions, we ask you to reach out to our experts directly.
Useful Links:
Cataract Lens Replacement Surgeries
Phakic Intraocular ICL Lens Surgery.
Vitrectomy Surgery. Cataract Surgery Medical Description Wiki. Keratoconus Cross-Linking Surgery. Blepharoplasty Aesthetic Surgeries. Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments. Periodic Eye Examinations. Glaucoma Treatments.
Multifocal lens planning with RLES AI®
The benefit expected from a multifocal lens appears in the right patient. In our centre candidate screening and lens power calculation are additionally checked with RLES AI®, an artificial-intelligence assisted planning tool.
RLES AI® is a clinical decision support tool. It does not diagnose and does not decide on surgery. It checks the measurements in the same order in every case and shows the surgeon what is missing and what carries risk; the surgeon decides.
Which data are checked before surgery?
- Biometry: axial length, anterior chamber depth and corneal power (K1/K2/Kmax)
- Corneal map: magnitude and axis of astigmatism, screening for irregularity
- Macula and retina: OCT assessment; it directly affects which lens type is suitable
- Tear film: dry eye is the first thing that can make measurements unreliable
- Anterior chamber angle: a narrow angle is flagged separately for further assessment
- Pupil size and daily visual needs: including your occupation and night driving
How is lens power calculated?
The power of the implant is calculated from the measured values, and the choice of formula depends on the eye. In eyes that have had previous laser vision correction standard formulas can drift; these eyes need adjusted formulas, and records of the earlier procedure improve accuracy. RLES AI® checks this consistency and flags missing input; the surgeon completes the calculation on their own platform.
How is premium lens candidacy assessed?
Macular disease, untreated dry eye, an irregular cornea, a large scotopic pupil and unrealistic expectations reduce the benefit of a multifocal lens. RLES AI® asks for each item and states clearly in the report when one is missing. A trifocal lens is the stronger option at intermediate distance.
Why you should avoid low-cost cataract surgery
A cheap cataract operation may look like a sensible choice at first. However, the items that bring the price down are usually the same ones: the quality of the measurement and imaging devices, the operating-room conditions, the type of intraocular lens implanted and the surgeon’s experience. Buying a cheap television costs you nothing; with your eyesight, the price can be permanent.
Therefore, look at what the fee covers rather than at the fee alone. Before surgery, we suggest you ask about four things:
- Measurement and imaging: Are biometry, corneal topography and macular OCT performed, and is the equipment current? Your lens power is calculated from these measurements.
- Surgeon and clinical team: Who will operate, and what is their experience in cataract and intraocular lens surgery?
- Operating room: Is the procedure carried out in a fully equipped, sterile hospital operating theatre?
- The lens: Which brand and type of lens will be implanted, and is the price difference for a toric or premium option given to you in writing beforehand?
In addition, we remind every patient of something simple: you have two eyes, and sight is the most delicate of the senses. Consequently, technology and medical quality are the last places to economise, and we do not compromise on either.
Frequent Ask Questions about Multifocal Cataract Surgery
What is neuroadaptation and how long does it take?
With a multifocal lens the brain learns to separate two images arriving at once; this is called neuroadaptation. The process usually progresses over weeks, and in some patients it takes a few months. For this reason the vision of the first days is not your final result.
What is a YAG capsulotomy and when is it needed?
The thin membrane behind the lens can cloud over with time and vision becomes hazy again. However, this does not mean the surgery failed. A YAG laser opens the membrane in a few minutes; the procedure is painless and is usually done once.
Can the lens be exchanged if it does not meet my expectations?
It is technically possible, but it means a second operation with its own risks. Exchange is therefore a last resort: time is first allowed for neuroadaptation, and correctable causes such as dry eye or a clouded capsule are investigated. Consequently, choosing the right candidate at the outset is decisive.
What should I expect at intermediate distance, such as a computer screen?
Multifocal lenses mainly target distance and near, and the intermediate range falls between the two. On the other hand, if screen distance dominates your daily life, a trifocal lens, which also targets the intermediate range, may suit you better.
Does dry eye affect multifocal image quality?
Yes, and with a multifocal lens the effect is more pronounced. An unstable tear film both shifts the measurements and reduces image quality. For this reason dry eye is treated first; the measurements are then repeated and candidacy is assessed accordingly.
I had laser vision correction before — can I still have a multifocal lens?
You may, although the assessment is more detailed. After laser correction the cornea needs adjusted formulas for lens power, and if the corneal surface is irregular the image quality expected from a multifocal lens can drop. Records of the earlier procedure and additional measurements therefore matter in these eyes.
Your Expert Eye Surgeons

Education Information:
After graduating from primary school in Trabzon, Dr. Ofluoglu. He completed secondary and high school in Istanbul. He graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine in 1987. He successfully completed his ophthalmology residency at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. He received his specialization equivalency in Turkey from Istanbul University Capa Faculty of Medicine . He worked as an Ophthalmologist at Taksim German Hospital between 1997-2014 as an ophthalmologist.Work experience:
German HospitalGalata Medical AcademyCertificates, Memberships, Scientific Publications:
- Articles Published in International Refereed Journals (Sci&Ssci&Arts And Humanities)
- Traenenwege from Die Endeskopie Der Ablrite. Akuchar, P. Novak,
- Ofluoglu FJ: Steinkogler. Spectrum Der Augenheikunde (1985)
- Volumersatz Der Orbita Myth Bioplastic. FJ Steinkogler, A. Kuchar,
- Novak, A.Ofluoglu Spektrum Der Augenheikunde
- Turkish Ophthalmology Association
- European Society Of Cataract And Refractive Surgeons
- American Society Of Cataract And Refractive Surgery
Specialized Treatments and Surgeries:
- Retractive Laser Eye Surgery: iLASIK (Femto Lasik), LASIK, LASEK, TransEpithelial PRK (NO TOUCH) and SMILE
- Cataract Surgery (Smart Lens Surgery)
- Keratoconus Treatments – Cross-Linking Surgeries
- Pterygium – Eyelid (Bird Wing) Surgery-
- Dry Eye Disease and Treatments
- Strabismus Treatments
- Glaucoma- Glaucoma Eye Pressure Treatments
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Treatments for Diabetes-Related Eye Diseases
- Macular Degeneration Disease Treatments
Foreign language:
- English
- German
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of VIENNA
35 Years of Experience
>35.000 Surgery

Education Information:
He completed his primary, secondary and high school education in Ankara. Fevzi Senturk graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine with a degree in 1994, and subsequently received his Ophthalmology Specialization training from Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. Afterwards, Fevzi Senturk completed his Retina Fellowship at Istanbul Retina Institute and earned the title of Associate Professor at this institution. He is still continuing his academic career by taking the title of Professor at Istanbul Medipol University. He has focused his scientific and clinical studies on retinal diseases, Vitreoretinal surgery and cataract surgery.Awards,Memberships and Scientific Research:
- Retinal capillary hemangioma: AB interno surgical excision, 43rd National Congress Awards, Best Video First Prize, 2009
- Photodynamic therapy guided by indocyanine green angiography in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, Best Publication Third Prize, 2000
- Retinal capillary hemangioma: AB interno surgical excision, 43rd National Congress Awards, Best Video First Prize, 2009
- Photodynamic therapy guided by indocyanine green angiography in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, Best Publication Third Prize, 2000
- Vitreoretinal Surgery Techniques, Second Edition, Hayat Medicine Bookstore, 2008
- Eye Diseases and Anti-VEGF Therapy 2010.
- Ocular Electrophysiology (TOD Education Publications No 13) Meaning of VEP, VEP registration and parameters in ISCEV standards., 2011
- Clinical Eye Atlas (Oxford Atlases in Ophthalmology), 2012
- Imaging in Ophthalmology, Microperimetry, 2013
- Ocular Electrophysiology (TOD Education Publications 1st Edition), Multifocal Electroretinogram Recording and Evaluation, 2022.
- Current Vitreoretinal Surgery (TOD Education Publications), Surgical Anatomy of the Retinal and Vitreous, 2022.
- Turkish Medical Association
- Turkish Ophthalmology Association
- Turkic Republics Ophthalmology Association
- Electrodiagnostic unit board membership
- Electrodiagnostic unit training representative
- International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV)
Specialized Treatments and Surgeries:
- Macular Degeneration Disease and Treatments
- Retinal Detachment Treatments
- Retinal Hemorrhages Due to Diabetes and Hypertension and Their Treatments
- Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatments
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
- Retinal Vascular Occlusions
- Epirentinal Membrane
- Macular Hole
- Glaucoma eye pressure
- Neuroophthalmological Diseases
- Vitrectomy-Retina Surgery
- Intravitreal Injection Treatments
- Argon Laser Photocoagulation Treatment
- Photodynamic Therapies
Foreign language:
- English




