What Are Multifocal Lens Implants? A Guide for Brisbane Cataract Patients

If you’re considering cataract surgery and would prefer to reduce your reliance on glasses afterward, multifocal intraocular lenses (MFIOLs) may be the solution. These advanced lens implants are designed to restore vision at both distance and near, helping you regain clarity across a range of activities—from reading your phone to driving at night.

At our Brisbane clinic, Dr David Gunn offers a range of premium MFIOL options, including cutting-edge technologies like the Galaxy multifocal lens. This post will explain who is suited to MFIOLs, what to expect, and how to determine if they’re right for your eyes.

To learn more about the procedure itself, see our Cataract Surgery Information Page. This article focuses on lens selection—a key part of your vision journey.

Choosing the right lens for your cataract or lens replacement surgery in Brisbane is important

Understanding the Difference: Standard vs Multifocal Lenses

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). There are two broad categories of lens implants:

• Standard monofocal lenses, which provide clear distance vision, but require glasses for near tasks like reading or using a phone.

• Multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses, which offer a broader range of vision—allowing many patients to perform both near and far tasks without glasses.

MFIOLs achieve this by using advanced optics to split light entering the eye into multiple focal zones. While no lens can completely replicate the flexibility of a youthful natural lens, modern multifocal designs can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses.

Who Is a Good Candidate for MFIOLs?

Multifocal IOLs are best suited to patients who:

• Want greater independence from glasses after cataract surgery

• Drive regularly and want clear distance vision

• Value freedom from reading glasses for daily tasks

• Have realistic expectations about occasional halos or glare

• Have healthy eyes with no significant macular disease, corneal scarring, or severe dry eye

Patients with complex eye conditions (e.g. significant retinal disease or advanced glaucoma) may be better served with a monofocal lens, but most people undergoing routine cataract surgery can at least be evaluated for multifocal eligibility.

What Makes the Galaxy MFIOL Different?

The Galaxy multifocal lens, now available in Brisbane, is a newer-generation design that addresses some of the limitations of older MFIOLs. Unlike traditional trifocal lenses that can sometimes split light harshly between distances, Galaxy lenses use a more refined light-distribution pattern to provide a smoother range of focus with reduced glare and better contrast sensitivity.

Dr Gunn was the first eye surgeon in Australia to implant the Galaxy lens, and patient feedback has been positive, particularly in the areas of night driving and near reading performance. For an in-depth look at this lens and how it compares to others, see our dedicated blog post:

👉 Galaxy Multifocal Lens: A Next-Gen Solution for Cataract Patients

What to Expect After Surgery

Multifocal lens surgery is performed in the same way as standard cataract surgery—it’s a day procedure with light sedation, takes about 20 minutes per eye, and is painless.

Recovery and adaptation: Most people notice immediate improvement in distance vision. Reading vision may take a few weeks to settle as your brain adapts to the multifocal optics. This neuroadaptation process is normal, and most patients adjust within 1–2 months.

Visual expectations: While many patients can read, drive, and use screens without glasses, you may still prefer reading glasses for low-light environments or fine print. Some patients experience mild halos around lights at night. These usually fade over time but are an expected part of multifocal lens adaptation.

Outcomes: Over 80% of our multifocal patients report using glasses rarely or never after surgery. Patient satisfaction is highest when expectations are aligned pre-surgery—and that’s something Dr Gunn will help you with during your consultation.

The Cost of Multifocal Lens Implants

In Australia, Medicare covers some of the costs of cataract surgery but does not cover the premium fee associated with multifocal or toric lenses. Health Insurance if you ahve it will also contribute. However, if you opt for a premium lens like a multifocal, there will be a gap payment.

This fee covers:

• The cost of the premium lens itself (e.g. Galaxy MFIOL)

• Additional pre-operative scans and calculations

• Custom surgical planning for optimal placement

• Follow-up care tailored to your lens selection

Our team will provide a written quote after your consultation, and you’ll have time to consider your options without pressure.

Should I Choose a Multifocal Lens?

The decision to select a multifocal IOL is personal. Factors such as your lifestyle, hobbies, vision priorities, and tolerance for visual artefacts (e.g. halos or mild glare) all come into play.

If you’re someone who:

• Is frustrated by constantly reaching for reading glasses

• Enjoys travel, sports, or outdoor activities

• Prefers clear vision across all ranges

• Doesn’t mind a short adjustment period

…then a multifocal lens may be a life-changing upgrade after cataract surgery.

If, however, your top priority is driving at night or maximum contrast sensitivity, a monofocal lens might be the more conservative option.

Modern Lens Reaplcement surgery is quick (about 20–30 minutes per eye) and is performed as day surgery.

Book a Cataract Assessment in Brisbane

If you’re considering cataract surgery in Brisbane and want to explore premium lens options, book a consultation with Dr David Gunn today. As a subspecialist in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr Gunn has helped thousands of patients across Queensland achieve clear, glasses-free vision.

You can learn more about cataract surgery itself on our Cataract Services Page, or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.

We’ll assess your eyes, explain your options clearly, and help you decide whether a multifocal lens—such as the Galaxy—is right for you.

Coming to Brisbane for Lens Surgery

Many patients travel from regional Queensland or interstate for surgery with Dr Gunn. You may be able to have lens surgery on your same visit, though this is not always possible if your specific lenses are unavailable and need to be ordered.

To learn more, see our blog post: Travelling to Brisbane for Your Eye Surgery

Enjoy a life with less dependence on glasses and contact lenses after multifocal lens surgery

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re seeking Multifocal Lens surgery in Brisbane, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr David Gunn. As a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon, Dr Gunn offers honest advice and personalised care—without sales pressure. His only goal is to find the safest, most effective vision correction option for you.

Fill out our online enquiry form or call the Queensland Eye Institute to schedule your assessment.

DR DAVID GUNN - OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MBBS (Hons I), BSc, CertLRS, FRANZCO, FWCRS

Dr. David Gunn, a respected ophthalmologist based in Brisbane, specialises in managing corneal diseases, cataract surgery, and advanced laser and refractive eye procedures at the Queensland Eye Institute. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland and was awarded the prestigious K.G. Howsam gold medal during his ophthalmology training.

As an innovator in his field, Dr. Gunn has a special interest in topographic laser eye surgery procedures. His introduction of the Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment surgery to Australia in May 2021 stands as testament to his drive for innovation, putting him among a select few surgeons worldwide performing this technique.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Gunn contributes to future developments in ophthalmology as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and through his active engagement in eye disease research.

However, what truly defines Dr. Gunn's work is his unwavering dedication to patient care. His pursuit of innovation and commitment to education all aim towards one goal: to enhance the lives of his patients through exceptional eye care. For Dr. Gunn, improving vision means improving life, a philosophy that continues to guide his practice in Brisbane.