Who Is a Good Candidate for Premium Lenses?

If you're preparing for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, one of the most exciting options available today is the use of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). These lenses can offer freedom from glasses and sharp vision at more than one distance—but they’re not suitable for everyone.

So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate?

At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we help you weigh your options with careful consideration of your eye health, lifestyle, and goals. Here's what to consider when deciding if premium lenses are right for you.

What Makes a Lens “Premium”?

Premium lenses are designed to go beyond basic cataract correction. Unlike standard monofocal lenses, which only correct vision at one distance, premium lenses can:

Provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far
Correct astigmatism
Reduce or eliminate the need for glasses
Offer customised visual outcomes.

1. You Want to Reduce Dependence on Glasses

This is one of the top reasons people consider premium lenses. If you’re someone who dislikes wearing reading glasses or switching between multiple pairs throughout the day, a premium lens can offer greater visual independence.

2. You Have a Healthy Eye Structure

Good candidates typically have:

No significant retinal disease
No advanced glaucoma
Clear corneas
Healthy optic nerves.

Premium lenses rely on precise optics. Conditions that affect the retina or nerve may interfere with their effectiveness.

3. You Have Realistic Expectations

Premium lenses can greatly reduce your dependence on glasses—but they don’t promise perfection. Some patients may still need reading glasses for very small print or in low light.

If you're open to a small adjustment period and minor visual compromises (like mild halos at night), you’re likely to be very satisfied.

4. You’re Open to Adapting

Premium lenses—especially multifocal designs—may require a short period of adaptation. Your brain learns how to switch focus between distances.

Most people adjust quickly, but having a positive mindset helps ease the transition.

5. You’re Active and Value Visual Freedom

Do you drive regularly? Use digital devices? Enjoy reading, travelling, or outdoor hobbies?

If so, premium lenses offer day-to-day ease without the hassle of glasses. Many active patients report that premium lenses enhance not just their vision, but their confidence and mobility.

6. You Have Astigmatism

If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate or high astigmatism, a toric lens—a type of premium IOL—can help correct it during surgery. Without it, you may still need glasses for crisp vision.

7. You’re Undergoing Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Premium lenses aren’t just for cataracts. If you're in your 40s or 50s and noticing changes in your near vision (presbyopia), you might consider lens replacement with a premium IOL as a long-term solution.

Who Might Not Be Suitable?

You may not be the best candidate if you have:

Significant macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease
Irregular astigmatism or prior corneal surgery (e.g. radial keratotomy)
Very high visual demands in low-light settings (e.g. night driving for work)

That said, we offer alternative options to help optimise your outcome.

Premium lenses aren’t for everyone—but for the right candidate, they offer an exciting opportunity for sharper, more flexible vision with greater independence from glasses.

If you're thinking about cataract surgery or lens replacement, take the next step by checking your suitability.