Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses are a newer class of IOL designed to elongate the eye’s focus into a continuous range — distance through intermediate — rather than splitting light into discrete focal points the way multifocal lenses do. The result is more natural-feeling vision with a much milder halo profile than trifocal IOLs, and excellent function for screen, dashboard, kitchen and most everyday tasks. At Suraj Eye Institute we offer Vivity, Symfony, Rayner EDOF and Bausch & Lomb LuxSmart.

How EDOF IOLs Work

Each manufacturer uses a different optical strategy to extend depth of focus:

• Wavefront-shaping (Vivity) — non-diffractive optics that stretch a single focal point into a continuous range
• Echelette diffractive optics (Symfony) — a single elongated focal range using a modified diffractive design
• Refractive aspheric design (LuxSmart, Rayner EDOF) — extended depth via specific aspheric and chromatic profile choices

The shared goal is the same — clear distance vision, smooth intermediate vision, and functional near vision, with fewer night-vision side-effects than multifocal lenses.

The Lenses We Use

Alcon AcrySof IQ Vivity

A non-diffractive EDOF IOL using wavefront-shaping technology. Halo profile is similar to a monofocal IOL, making it well suited to patients who want extended range without the night-vision symptoms of multifocal lenses. Particularly useful for selected patients with mild macular pathology or mild glaucoma. Available in toric versions for astigmatism.

Johnson & Johnson Tecnis Symfony

A diffractive EDOF IOL with an echelette design that delivers an elongated range of focus and chromatic aberration correction. Strong intermediate vision with very good distance and useful near vision. Available in toric versions.

Rayner EDOF

A refractive EDOF design from Rayner offering an extended depth of focus while preserving contrast sensitivity. A reliable, well-tolerated EDOF option suited to a broad range of patients.

Bausch & Lomb LuxSmart

A non-diffractive aspheric EDOF IOL with a focal shift that extends intermediate vision while maintaining a clean optical profile. Particularly good for patients prioritising intermediate (computer/dashboard) range with minimal halos.

What Vision to Expect

• Distance vision (driving, signage, TV) — excellent, comparable to monofocal IOLs
• Intermediate vision (computer, dashboard, kitchen counter, phone at arm’s length) — typically very good, often glasses-free
• Near vision (small print, books) — usable in good light; some patients still need reading glasses for prolonged fine print
• Night vision — far closer to monofocal than to trifocal; mild halos in the early weeks for some patients

Who is a Good Candidate?

• Patients who want a continuous range of vision and dislike halos
• Active lifestyles involving lots of intermediate-distance work — driving, computer, smartphone, hobbies
• Patients with mild macular changes or mild glaucoma where a trifocal would be unsuitable but a monofocal feels limited
• Patients who already accept reading glasses for prolonged fine print but want to be glasses-free for most of the day
• Patients with regular astigmatism — toric versions of Vivity, Symfony and others address this

Who Should Not Have an EDOF IOL?

• Significant macular disease where any contrast loss is unacceptable
• Advanced glaucoma with field loss
• Highly irregular cornea
• Patients who insist on perfect monofocal-like contrast and accept reading glasses
• Patients unable to accept the cost of a premium IOL upgrade

EDOF vs Trifocal — A Practical Comparison

• EDOF — smoother distance to intermediate, fewer halos, near may need glasses
• Trifocal — three discrete sharp focal points (distance + intermediate + near), better unaided near vision, more halos

The choice is rarely “best lens” — it is “best lens for this eye and this patient”. See our choosing the right IOL guide for the full decision framework.

Refractive Aim

Our consistent refractive target is 6/6 distance and N/6 near without glasses where possible. With EDOF IOLs, distance and N/8–N/6 are usually achievable; for sustained N/6 near reading, mini-monovision or a small reading-glass top-up may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions