EDOF stands for Extended Depth of Focus. It is a category of intraocular lens designed to give you a wider range of clear vision than a standard monofocal lens, without creating the separate focal points used by multifocal lenses.
How EDOF works
Instead of creating two or three distinct focal points, EDOF lenses use wavefront-shaping technology to stretch the "depth of focus" — the range of distances where objects appear acceptably clear.
This creates a more continuous transition between distance and intermediate vision. For many patients, this means they can drive, use a computer, and cook without glasses, while still needing reading glasses for fine print.
EDOF vs. Multifocal
The key difference is in how light is handled. Multifocal lenses split light into separate focal points. EDOF lenses reshape the light wavefront to extend the range of a single focus.
Because EDOF does not split light into separate points, it generally causes fewer halos and less loss of contrast than multifocal lenses. However, the near vision may not be as strong as with a trifocal lens.
Who might benefit from EDOF
EDOF lenses may be worth discussing if you: spend significant time at intermediate distances (computer, cooking, dashboard), want fewer glasses than monofocal but are concerned about halos, value good night vision, and are realistic about still needing reading glasses for small print.
Important considerations
Not all patients achieve the same range. Your actual outcome depends on your eye measurements, the exact lens model, and how your brain adapts. Some EDOF designs incorporate a small amount of additional near capability. Others are "pure" EDOF. Your surgeon can explain the specific model they recommend.
Mix-and-match possibilities
Some surgeons offer EDOF in one eye and a different lens in the other, or use mini-monovision with EDOF to improve near vision. These are advanced strategies that require careful evaluation.