Intraocular lens (IOL): An artificial lens that is implanted in the eye to replace the eye's clouded crystalline lens during cataract surgery.

IOLs have been used for over 50 years, they are very safe and remain in the eye lifelong. Your doctor will then work with you to decide which IOL is best for your visual needs.

There are three basic types of IOLs, each designed for a specific corrective function.

1. Monofocal IOL: An intraocular lens that provides patients with only one focal point. Most commonly, these lenses correct only for distance vision unless you have astigmatism in which case even the distance is blurred.
   
   

2. Multifocal IOL: An intraocular lens that provides patients with multiple focal points, correcting vision at a range of distances – near through distance. You may be a candidate for the ReSTOR IOL, which is an advanced type of multifocal IOL.
   
   

3. Toric IOL: An IOL that corrects for astigmatism to allow people with astigmatism to see well in the distance. They will typically still need glasses for reading and computer work.