What is the best lens choice for cataract surgery if I play sports?
If you play sports and are considering cataract surgery, choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) is key to optimizing both your distance vision and lifestyle performance. Here's a breakdown of the best cataract lens options for active people:
1. Monofocal IOL – Distance Vision
Best for: Tennis, golf, cycling, running, and most outdoor sports
· What it does: Corrects for one focal point only — usually set for distance.
· Pros:
o Excellent distance clarity
o Lowest risk of glare or halos
o High contrast sensitivity (important for fast-paced sports)
· Cons:
o You’ll need reading glasses for close-up tasks
o Not ideal for sports that need precise near or intermediate vision (e.g., archery, fly fishing)
👉 Ideal if:
You prioritize sharp distance vision and don’t mind wearing reading glasses off the field.
2. Toric IOL – for Astigmatism
Best for: Athletes who also have astigmatism
· Can be combined with monofocal or multifocal lenses
· Corrects both cataracts and astigmatism to improve distance clarity
· Great for sports requiring depth perception and tracking
3. Multifocal or Trifocal IOL
Use with caution if you play sports.
· Designed for near, intermediate, and far vision
· May cause glare, halos, or reduced contrast sensitivity
· These effects can interfere with fast-moving or low-light sports (e.g. football under lights, night cycling)
👉 Not typically recommended for competitive or high-speed sports players
4. Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL – e.g. TECNIS Symfony®
Best “premium” option for sporty individuals
· Provides clear distance and intermediate vision with fewer halos and glare than multifocal lenses
· Great for sports and also computer or dashboard use
· May still need reading glasses for very close-up tasks
Ideal if:
You want good range of vision but play sports that require good contrast and minimal visual artifacts (e.g. tennis, skiing, sailing).
Pro Tip:
Ask your surgeon if monovision (one eye set for distance, the other for near) or blended vision is an option — it can work well for active people but needs testing in advance.