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Lens surgery · Vision correction
Multifocal lenses in Germany
Near, screen and far with one lens.
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Medical content prepared for review by Dr. med. Levent Kanal, head surgeonIn short
A multifocal lens is an artificial lens with several focal zones — near, intermediate and far — implanted in place of the natural lens during a lens exchange or cataract surgery. Most patients then manage everyday life without glasses. The trade-off: rings around lights at night in the first months, and a few weeks of adaptation. Whether it suits you depends on your eyes and how you live; the examination decides.
How it works — 3 steps
- 1We measure your eyes and check whether a multifocal lens suits them.Healthy macula, a regular cornea and realistic expectations — the three conditions.
- 2The lens is calculated and implanted in a 15-minute operation.Same steps as cataract surgery: 2 mm opening, drops, no stitches. One eye per day.
- 3Your brain learns the new zones.Near vision settles over a few weeks. Halos fade for most.
Zones
Near · screen · far
Trifocal optics in one lens
Both eyes
Two consecutive days
One trip, about four days
Anaesthesia
Eye drops
No injection, no general anaesthesia
Glasses afterwards
Rarely
Small print in dim light at most
Halos at night
Possible at first
Fade for most within months
Suitable for
45 and older
Lens exchange or cataract surgery
SuitabilityIs a multifocal lens right for you?
A first orientation. The examination gives the final answer.
Good fit if …
- You want to be independent of glasses at all distances — reading, screen, driving.
- 45 or older with reading glasses, or a cataract that needs surgery anyway.
- Healthy macula and retina, regular cornea. We check all three.
- You accept a few weeks of adaptation and some halos at night at first.
- Astigmatism is no obstacle: it is corrected in the same (toric) lens.
Better alternatives if …
- You drive a lot at night or need the best contrast → EDoF lens or monofocal lens
- Macular disease, glaucoma damage or an irregular cornea → monofocal lens, or we treat that first
- Under 45 with a clear lens → SMILE® Pro, Femto-LASIK or an implantable lens (ICL)
- You expect continuous focus like a young eye → the lens has fixed zones; we explain the realistic result at the examination
Not sure? Tell us about your eyes. The head surgeon gives you a first answer, usually within one working day.
CompareMultifocal, EDoF or monofocal?
Three lens types, three trade-offs. Your eyes and your daily life decide.
Artificial lenses compared
Monofocal, multifocal or EDoF — Dr. Kanal explains.
| Multifocal | EDoF | Monofocal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distances | Near, screen and far | Far and screen | One distance |
| Reading glasses | Rarely | For small print | Yes, for near |
| Halos at night | Possible at first | Fewer | Very low |
| Contrast in dim light | Slightly reduced | Good | Best |
| Adaptation | A few weeks | Short | None |
| Astigmatism | Toric version | Toric version | Toric version |
| Both eyes | Two consecutive days | Two consecutive days | Two consecutive days |
| Typical choice | Reading, office, hobbies | Driving, screen work | Sharpest distance, simplest |
ProcedureExamination, two surgery days, final check.
One examination, one eye per day on two consecutive days, a final check. All at our surgical centres in Wiesbaden and Düsseldorf.
Visit 1 · about 90 minutes
Examination
- We measure the length of the eye and the cornea (biometry), scan the macula (OCT) and map the cornea.
- You tell us how you live and work: reading, screen, driving at night. That decides whether a multifocal lens fits.
- Dr. Kanal explains the realistic result — and the halos — before you decide.
- Pupils are dilated; do not drive afterwards. No contact lenses for 1–2 weeks before.
Visits 2 and 3 · one eye each
Surgery days
- Come without make-up. Bring sunglasses and, if you can, a companion.
- Drops numb the eye; you may get a mild sedative. You see light and movement, no detail. No pain.
- Through a 2 mm opening the natural lens is dissolved by ultrasound and removed. The folded new lens unfolds in its place. About 15 minutes.
- A short rest, then you go home with a protective shield. The second eye follows the next day, after a check of the first.
Understanding cataract surgery: how the procedure works
The same steps as a lens exchange, explained.
Multifocal vs. EDoF lenses: which fits you?
Which lens for which life — in one minute.
The lens: trifocal optics
- Concentric rings split the light into three focal points: near, intermediate and far.
- The brain learns to pick the sharp image for each distance.
- Toric versions correct astigmatism in the same lens.
Visit 4 · next morning
Final check
- The morning after the second eye we check pressure, the lens position and the vision of both eyes, and go through your drops. Most patients see well enough to come on their own.
- Then you travel home. Afterwards, routine eye check-ups near your home.
Dr. med. Levent Kanal · Head surgeon
“A multifocal lens is a promise and a compromise in one: freedom from glasses, paid for with some halos at night. My job is to tell you before the operation which side of that trade you are on. The measurements and your daily life give the answer.”
Cataract and corneal surgeon · trainer of eye surgeons · 25+ years
Every lens implantation is performed by the head surgeon himself.
RecoveryResults you can plan for.
The first days, and what you can realistically expect.
Back to everyday life
| Screen, reading, TV | next day; both eyes together from day 4 |
| Driving | after the final check |
| Shower, hair washing | next day, no water in the eyes for 1 week |
| Sport, gym | after 2 weeks |
| Eye make-up | after 2 weeks |
| Swimming, sauna | after 4 weeks |
What you do
- Use your drops as scheduled for about 4 weeks — they prevent infection and inflammation.
- Do not rub or press the eye for 2 weeks. Wear the shield at night in the first week.
- Give your brain a few weeks: near vision settles as you use it. Do not cover one eye to “test” it.
- Red, painful eye, sudden blur or new floaters? Call us the same day.
What to expect
Distance vision clear the next day. Near and screen vision settle over 2–6 weeks. Halos at night fade for most within months. Final result after about 3 months. The lens stays for life.
What it does not do
It does not give continuous focus like a young eye: three zones, not infinite. Contrast in dim light is slightly lower than with a monofocal lens. Very small print in poor light may still need glasses.
RisksThe complete list.
Complication rates are low in long-term studies. Low is not the same as none. Here is the complete list.
Multifocal lens: halos at night?
Dr. Kanal answers in one minute.
Halos and glare at night
Rings around lights are common at first and fade for most within months. Night drivers should consider an EDoF or monofocal lens; we discuss this when choosing.
Adaptation takes time
The brain learns to use the near zone over weeks. A few patients never feel comfortable — then the lens can be exchanged.
Reduced contrast in dim light
The light is split between zones, so contrast at dusk is slightly lower than with a monofocal lens. Noticeable for some, not for most.
After-cataract
In some patients the capsule behind the lens clouds months or years later. A short laser treatment (YAG) clears it in minutes, once.
Residual value
Rarely the target is not fully reached. Glasses for one distance, a laser touch-up or a lens exchange are possible.
Very rare complications
Infection, swelling of the macula or a retinal detachment are very rare. Our centres work to clinical hygiene standards, and your drops are part of that protection.
“Trust begins with openness. We go through every point on this list together, with your own measurements on the screen.”
Dr. med. Levent Kanal · Head surgeon
Lens surgery patient
Patient story
“I can see everything again — near, far, and the faces of my grandchildren. I should have done it years ago.”
CostsA written quote after the examination.
No price list on the website: the quote depends on your eyes and the method. This is what you can expect.
When you get the quote
After the examination, in writing, before you decide. No obligation.
What the quote lists
Examination, the lens and the treatment of both eyes, the drops for the first weeks and the checks in our clinics — item by item.
Insurance and invoice
A private medical service in Germany. You receive an itemised invoice (GOÄ) for your insurer. Ask your insurer beforehand what they reimburse.
How you pay
By bank transfer or card, in euros. Payment options for patients from abroad are explained with the quote.
Prices are not published online because they depend on the findings of your examination. We answer cost questions personally: ask us.
From further awayComing from another region or from abroad?
Two steps. First we check remotely whether a multifocal lens is right for you. Only then do you travel — once, for about four days.
1Before you travel
Remote assessmentA first answer before you travel.
You tell us about your eyes and your current values in a private conversation. Dr. Kanal says whether a multifocal lens is realistic for you. If the answer is no, you do not travel.
What we will ask you
- Your current glasses or lens values
- Your age and how long your values have been stable
- Contact lens type and any eye conditions
You get a personal answer from Dr. Kanal, usually within one working day.
Your planFour days. One trip.
- 1
Day 1 · Examination
About 90 minutes. Lens choice with Dr. Kanal.
- 2
Day 2 · First eye
About two hours in the clinic, 15 minutes of surgery.
- 3
Day 3 · Second eye
Check of the first eye, then the second operation.
- 4
Day 4 · Final check
In the morning. Then you travel home.
- +
At home
Routine eye check-ups near your home.
Coming from further away? The schedule can differ from this plan. Ask us before you book anything. Ask about your plan · WhatsApp
2Your visit
About 4 days with usExamination, one eye per day, and a final check.
Once the remote assessment is positive, we plan the four days around your arrival in Wiesbaden or Düsseldorf. All later checks take place near your home.
Which airport, and how do I reach the clinic?Languages
Consultation and all documents in German and English.
Insurance and invoice
A private medical service in Germany. Itemised invoice for your insurer. Written quote after the examination.
Aftercare at home
Written report for your eye doctor. We stay reachable by WhatsApp for questions after you return.
Live in Rhine-Main or the Rhineland? Then no travel planning is needed. Your follow-up checks can take place at any of our 12 locations. Find your nearest clinic
Why Dr. LookOne surgeon for every patient. Two surgical centres.
Dr. med. Levent Kanal operates on every patient himself, in Wiesbaden and Düsseldorf: thousands of operations in 25 years. He leads a large team and trains young surgeons.
25+ years
of surgical experience
Thousands
of operations, every one by the head surgeon
12 locations
one surgeon, two surgical centres
Large team
led personally; young surgeons trained here
Beyond the clinicTraining young surgeons. Giving back.
Teaching
Training the next generation of eye surgeons
Ophthalmology wetlab in Aschaffenburg · Dr. Kanal as instructor
Community
Social commitment
Neuss integration run · sport connects people
Dr. Look channelHear it from our patients.
Patient stories
Modern eye medicine for clear vision
Dr. Levent Kanal
Why Dr. Look
Artificial lenses compared — monofocal, multifocal or EDoF?Lens surgery
Is a multifocal lens right for everyone?Lens surgery
Crosslinking for keratoconus: effect & benefitsEye healthQuestions about a multifocal lens
What is a multifocal lens?
An artificial lens with three focal zones — near, intermediate and far — that replaces the natural lens. It is implanted in a lens exchange or during cataract surgery. Most patients then manage everyday life without glasses.
Will I see halos at night?
Probably at first: rings around lights are typical in the first weeks and fade for most within months. If you drive a lot at night, an EDoF or monofocal lens may be the better choice; we discuss this before the operation.
How long until near vision is sharp?
Distance vision is clear the next day. Near and screen vision settle over 2–6 weeks as the brain learns the new zones.
Multifocal or EDoF — which is better?
Neither is better; they trade differently. Multifocal gives the widest range including small print, with more halos. EDoF gives far and screen with fewer halos, and light reading glasses for small print. Your daily life decides.
Both eyes on the same day?
No. The second eye follows the next day, after a check of the first. Both are done in one trip of about four days.
Does it hurt?
No. Drops numb the eye and you may get a mild sedative. You see light and movement during the 15 minutes, no detail.
Can a cataract still develop?
No. The natural lens is gone. An after-cataract of the capsule can occur and is cleared with a short laser treatment if it does.
Who performs the treatment?
Dr. med. Levent Kanal, the head surgeon, performs every lens implantation himself. In Wiesbaden and Düsseldorf.
I live far away. How many days do I need?
About four days: examination, first eye, second eye, final check. We first assess remotely whether the treatment is realistic for you; then you travel once. Afterwards, routine eye check-ups near your home.
What does it cost?
You get a written quote after the examination, listing the lens type and everything included. In Germany this is a private service.
LocationsFind the clinic closest to you
Two surgical centres and ten clinics. Choose your region and get directions in one tap.
Your journey to usWhich airport, and how do I reach the clinic?
Choose your surgical centre. The map shows the airport, the other clinics and the way to us.
Other treatmentsWhich method suits your eyes?
Laser or lens: the examination shows which treatment fits. Here are the alternatives at a glance.
Presbyond®
Near and far vision. Without reading glasses.
From 45PresbyopiaAstigmatism
SMILE® Pro
Flapless. Minimally invasive. The next generation.
Up to 45Short-sightedAstigmatism
EDoF lenses
Far and screen distance, with fewer halos at night.
From 45PresbyopiaCataract
Refractive lens exchange
The natural lens is replaced. No cataract later in life.
From 45PresbyopiaCataract
Cataract
Outpatient, about 15 minutes per eye. Clear the next morning.
OutpatientMonofocalMultifocalEDoF
Scientific sources
What this page is based on
Scientific sources
What this page is based on
Peer-reviewed studies and medical societies only. No manufacturer or commercial sources.
- Peer-reviewed study
Multifocal intraocular lenses: an overview
Alió JL, Plaza-Puche AB, Férnandez-Buenaga R, Pikkel J, Maldonado M · Survey of Ophthalmology 2017;62(5):611–634
- Peer-reviewed study
Multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses after cataract extraction
de Silva SR, Evans JR, Kirthi V, Ziaei M, Leyland M · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016;(12):CD003169
- Peer-reviewed study
Efficacy and safety of multifocal intraocular lenses following cataract and refractive lens exchange: metaanalysis
Rosen E, Alió JL, Dick HB, Dell S, Slade S · Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery 2016;42(2):310–328
- Peer-reviewed study
Multifocal intraocular lenses and extended depth of focus intraocular lenses
Breyer DRH, Kaymak H, Ax T, Kretz FTA, Auffarth GU, Hagen PR · Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology 2017;6(4):339–349
- Medical society
Assessment and quality assurance of refractive surgical procedures
Kommission Refraktive Chirurgie (KRC) of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA)
- Patient information
IOL implants: lens replacement after cataracts
American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeSmart patient information