What is Monofocal Lens? Price in India, Types & Benefits

A monofocal lens or standard intraocular lens is the most commonly used lens implant after cataract surgery. It is designed to correct vision for a single distance, i.e. either close-distance vision or far-distance vision.

For the rest of the focal distance, the patient may require glasses. The standard monofocal lens has a spherical (round) shape. However, there may be more types of intraocular monofocal lenses.

The most commonly used monofocal lens type is the spherical one. Meanwhile, there are three main monofocal lens types that are available.

Depending on the vision problem, you can opt for any of these lenses. The various types of lenses have been discussed below:

1. Spherical Monofocal Lens: The most often used monofocal lens type is the spherical monofocal lens. These are usually implanted during cataract surgery.
   Spherical monofocal lenses can be used to correct myopia, near-sightedness and astigmatism. These lenses have a single power throughout the surface.

2. Aspheric Monofocal Lens: The vision is sharper and more precise, along with an improved contrast in the case of aspheric monofocal lenses.
   Aspheric monofocal lenses come with a curve similar to the natural lens of the eye. These lenses are more expensive than spherical monofocal lenses.

3. Toric Monofocal Lens: Toric monofocal lenses are used to cure astigmatism. There are two varying curvatures and two powers (one on the horizontal meridian and the other on the vertical meridian).
   These are placed on the same lens. These lenses are the most expensive but provide the best vision.

Note: A certified eye professional or an ophthalmologist can best advise you on what type of lens you can go for based on your eyes’ condition.

Monofocal lenses are commonly used after cataract surgery for vision correction and offer many benefits and advantages.
These lenses are considered to be the most reliable form of intraocular lenses.

Compared to multifocal lenses, monofocal lenses may sometimes allow up to 18% more light.
All people who have cataracts, even those who have astigmatism, can prefer monofocal lenses as their treatment option.

Some of the major advantages include:

1. Affordable: Monofocal lenses are the most economical type of intraocular lenses.

2. Fewer Complications: Compared to other intraocular lenses, monofocal lenses are the safest and have fewer complications and risks.

3. Accessible: Monofocal lenses are easily accessible and sold at most ophthalmology clinics and eye hospitals.

4. Health insurance coverage: Monofocal lenses are covered by most health insurance plans.

5. Improved Vision: After cataract surgery, a monofocal lens may improve the existing vision quality.

Monofocal lenses are considered to be the safest and are the most widely used lenses post-cataract treatment.

Meanwhile, there can be some drawbacks associated with monofocal lenses that one must know before going ahead:

1. Need for Spectacles: As monofocal lenses correct a single distance vision, spectacles are needed for the other distance. For instance, if far-distance vision is corrected, spectacles are needed to read or use the mobile phone.
   If near-vision is corrected, spectacles are needed to see objects at a distance. Spectacles are also needed to correct astigmatism.

2. Fixed Power: Monofocal lens has a fixed power, and the vision will not change. If your power increases or decreases over time, a new lens will be required.

A monofocal lens implantation comes with multiple benefits. However, there may be some risks associated with the same.

These risks and complications are rare and can be treated easily with medication or a second surgery, depending on what they are.

Some of the possible risks are:

1. Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO): A complication that may arise in people who undergo cataract surgery and monofocal lens implantation.

2. Lens Dislocation: The monofocal lens may get dislocated, but this is a rare complication.

3. Iris Capture: In rare cases, the lens may rotate forward and catch a part of the iris.

4. Uveitis: An infection of the eye that may cause inflammation and redness.

5. Glares and Halos: Glares and halos might occur in the eyes of people who have monofocal lenses.
   However, this is a less common complication. Most people are not even bothered by this, and it may not cause much discomfort.

Monofocal lens price in India depends on the brand and the type of lens, as well as the place where the procedure takes place.
Generally speaking, monofocal lenses cost anywhere between ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 55,000 per eye. 

The cost of the lenses is influenced by several factors, some of which include:

1. Location: The location where the cataract surgery will be performed influences the price of the monofocal lens. The price of the lenses is usually higher in bigger cities than in small towns.

2. Insurance Coverage: Some health insurance plans cover the cost of cataract surgery, but the extent of coverage can differ.

3. Surgeon’s Fees: The surgeon’s fees can influence the cost of the procedure of monofocal lens implantation.

4. Other Aspects: Other aspects like the condition and its complications and additional procedures, if any, can influence the cost of the monofocal lens implantation surgery. 

Monofocal lenses are commonly used in the eye care industry. These are popular and inexpensive intraocular lenses which are easy to maintain. Multiple monofocal lens types are now available in the market. 

Monofocal lenses are safe and reliable and cause relatively fewer risks and complications. HexaHealth can be a companion in your whole cataract journey. Connect with us today to know more about monofocal and other types of lenses!

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