| Abstract [eng] |
Cataract remains one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide and continues to pose a major clinical and public health burden, particularly in ageing populations. Modern cataract surgery is no longer limited to removal of the opaque lens, but increasingly aims to optimize postoperative visual quality, refractive outcomes, and patient satisfaction through appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) selection. This thesis aimed to compare monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses in modern cataract surgery and to evaluate their visual outcomes, patient satisfaction, spectacle independence, optical side effects, clinical indications, and relevance in the context of recent innovations in cataract treatment. This thesis was designed as a structured narrative literature review with a comparative focus. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, with supplementary searches in Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, between May 2025 and February 2026. A total of 40 studies were selected for detailed analysis and synthesized thematically. The reviewed literature showed that multifocal IOLs generally provide better uncorrected near and intermediate vision and significantly greater spectacle independence than monofocal IOLs. However, these benefits are associated with a higher incidence of dysphotopsias, including halos and glare, as well as some reduction in contrast sensitivity. Monofocal IOLs remain the most predictable and broadly applicable option, especially in patients with ocular comorbidities. Recent innovations, including enhanced monofocal and extended-depth-of-focus lenses, have expanded the range of available options and may partially bridge the gap between standard monofocal and multifocal technologies. Both monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses are effective in cataract treatment, but they serve different clinical needs and patient priorities. Optimal outcomes depend on individualized lens selection, realistic preoperative counseling, and shared decision-making. |
