[Lens Surgery: Implantation of Multifocal Intraocular Lenses]

Lens exchange surgery is the most common performed surgical ophthalmological procedure worldwide. The intraocular lens (IOL) is placed into the capsular bag. The power of the IOL decides whether afterwards the patient will be able to see objects in the far or near distance without glasses. Due to constant development of the IOL design in nowadays it is however possible to implant a lens which has multiple foci and consequently allows the patient to see in several distances. In this review article we summarize the most critical points which need to be considered when placement of a multifocal lens is planned in lens exchange surgery. Additionally, we present an overview of the currently available trifocal IOLs and IOLs with an extended depth of focus. We furthermore discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the multifocal IOLs as compared to monofocal IOLs.