The Tecnis lens is classified as a “multifocal” lens as it offers the patient multiple points of focus after surgery. As opposed to only correcting distance vision with the basic lens, the Tecnis lens design allows you to see well at distance, intermediate, and nearby; often with little need for glasses. You must be a good candidate to receive the multifocal lens and patients with large amounts of astigmatism, a history of prior cornea surgery (such as RK, LASIK, and PRK) as well as those with retina issues (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, prior retinal surgery) are usually not good candidates for this lens. With few side effects, the new Tecnis lens design has greatly improved the occasional glare and halo effect seen with older generation multifocal lenses.
This lens is the best option for patients who desire excellent near vision for reading without the use of reading glasses. It’s also an excellent choice for the “refractive lens exchange” procedure, which is performed on patients in their 40s and 50s who are unhappy with their inability to read close-up due to presbyopia.
