Trifocal Lenses (Trifocal 2.0) — Quick Answers
- Does trifocal lens implantation hurt? No, the procedure is painless, and the lens replacement itself takes only about 15 minutes per eye.
- How long is sick leave (L4) after the procedure? Sick leave is typically issued for a period of 3 to 7 days after the procedure for each eye.
- Does the NFZ (National Health Fund) refund trifocal lenses? No, the NFZ only refunds basic monofocal lenses, after which reading glasses are still required; trifocal implants are luxury medicine, performed exclusively privately.
- Who should not choose trifocal lenses? They are not recommended for patients who professionally drive at night, among others, because light effects (halo, glare) around light sources can be bothersome.
- How much does laser touch-up (Bioptics) cost after the procedure? If a microscopic residual refractive error remains after surgery, excimer laser touch-up is possible as part of the Bioptics procedure for PLN 3,700 per eye.
Multifocal and Trifocal Lenses (Trifocal 2.0): Complete Independence from Glasses
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Reading glasses, a second pair for the computer, a third for the car — trifocal lenses (Trifocal) were created so that this entire set could be put away. These are premium implants used in refractive lens exchange (RLE) and cataract surgeries, providing sharp vision at all three distances: far, intermediate (computer), and full near (fine print). We are among the first in Poland to implement their Second Generation (Bausch+Lomb enVista Envy, J&J Tecnis Odyssey, Alcon PanOptix Pro), which drastically reduces light scattering. The microsurgical procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. We are radically honest with you: this is not a solution for professional drivers. We support your return to a full life with sick leave (L4), the possibility of laser touch-up (Bioptics, PLN 3,700 per eye), and financing through Santander Consumer Bank.
SwissLaser in numbers: over 25,000 procedures performed by the chief surgeon · clinics in Krakow, Warsaw, Vienna, and Zurich · Google: 5.0 (169 reviews, Krakow) and 4.9 (256 reviews, Warsaw)
Do you remember when you didn’t have to look for your glasses to reply to a text message or read a restaurant menu?
New generation Trifocal Lenses at SwissLaser are a return to that vitality. We remove the worn-out natural lens and implant Swiss optics that restore your full freedom in 99% of daily situations. But our greatest value is truth: we will tell you openly if your eyes or your profession are not suitable for this technology.
Multifocal, multifocal, trifocal – what do these names mean?
Multifocal lenses and multifocal lenses are the same – the first name is Latin, the second Polish. They refer to an implant that has more than one focal point, thus providing sharpness at more than one distance. Bifocal lenses have two focal points: far and near, with no intermediate distance – rarely used today. Trifocal lenses have three: far, intermediate distance (computer), and near; this is the current standard in the multifocal group and this page is about them. EDOF lenses are not formally multifocal – instead of separate focal points, they extend one, thus providing continuous vision from far to computer with fewer light effects, but usually without full reading. Toric variants of each of these groups also correct astigmatism.
No More Optical Compromises
When presbyopia begins after the age of 45, most people reach for progressive glasses. However, these limit the field of vision and force unnatural head movements.
Trifocal Lenses eliminate this problem at its source.
The artificial lens divides the light entering the eye into three optimized streams:
- Distance:Crystal clear horizons, watching TV, walking.
- Intermediate distance:Sharper image of the computer monitor and dashboard (approx. 60-80 cm).
- Near:Effortless reading of books, smartphones, and medicine labels (approx. 30-40 cm).
Your brain immediately receives all three images and automatically selects the one you are currently focusing on.
Who Should Not Choose Trifocal Lenses
At SwissLaser, we don’t sell procedures – we optimize quality of life. Diffractive optics split light, which creates a halo and glare effect (halos around light sources) at night. Although the 2nd generation of lenses minimizes this phenomenon, and brain neuroadaptation usually solves the problem, physics cannot be completely cheated.
We strongly advise against trifocal lenses if you are:
- A professional truck driver (TIR) / night taxi driver:Night glare can significantly reduce your visual comfort.
- An airline pilot / Astronomer:Professions requiring extreme contrast in specific night conditions.
- A person working mainly after dark with dazzling lights.
For the above professional groups, Dr. Victor Derhartunian recommends the use of EDoF (Extended Depth of Focus) technology or classic monofocal lenses.
Comparison of Methods and Lens Generations
Choosing the right lens is the most important decision. See why the Second Generation of Trifocal Lenses is a technological leap into the future compared to the NFZ standard and older solutions:
| Vision Parameter and Side Effects | NFZ Standard (Monofocal) | Premium EDoF (Extended Depth of Focus) | Premium Trifocal (Generation 2.0) |
| Distance (Daytime driving) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Intermediate distance (PC) | Blurred (requires glasses) | Brilliant (smooth) | Very good / Sharp |
| Near (Reading fine print) | None (mandatory glasses) | Good (sometimes +1.0D needed) | Full independence (Sharp reading) |
| Light effects (Halo/Glare at night) | Minimal | Very low | Moderate (Significantly reduced in Gen 2.0) |
| Technology / Models | Basic | e.g., Vivity, Symfony | J&J Odyssey, enVista Envy, PanOptix Pro |
| Cataract Protection | Yes | Yes (Lifetime) | Yes (Lifetime) |
Neuroadaptation after multifocal lenses takes longer than after laser correction alone: weeks 2–12 the brain adapts to the new vision, and between 3 and 6 months adaptation is complete – and it is then, if necessary, that we perform precise fine-tuning.
Think of hypertension therapy: we start with one tablet, measure blood pressure again – and adjust the dose until the result is right. It is the same with presbyopia correction: we correct, the brain adjusts to the new vision, and if necessary – we fine-tune. Enhancement is not a failure, but an element of precise treatment.
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS
Procedure Guarantee and Safety
By choosing SwissLaser, you receive a safety package not offered by standard clinics:
- Laser Touch-up (Bioptics):If, after the eye has healed, a microscopic residual refractive error remains, you don’t have to return to glasses. We perform excimer laser touch-up (PLN 3,700 per eye, first check-up included), striving for optical perfection.
- Ultimate Lifeline (Lens Exchange):If you belong to the small group of patients (<2%) for whom the “halo” phenomenon is unbearable and the brain cannot adapt, we will not leave you with the problem. Within 2 months after the first procedure, the lens capsule is still flexible enough that we can safely remove the trifocal lens and implant a proven monofocal lens. At SwissLaser, you always have a safe emergency exit.
The Cost of Delay
Good progressive lenses from a reputable optician cost around PLN 3,000-5,000. Over the years, presbyopic refractive error increases, so you need to replace your lenses every 2-3 years. Over 15 years, you will spend over PLN 25,000. And at the end of this road, cataract surgery still awaits you.
Lens exchange (RLE) is a lifelong investment. Thanks to the MediRaty (Santander Consumer Bank) option at SwissLaser, you can convert the cost of the procedure into convenient monthly installments, regaining independence without impacting your budget.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
- Swiss MS39 Qualification:We perform advanced mapping of your eyes. Dr. Victor Derhartunian ensures that the Trifocal Lens (Gen 2.0) will be safe for you and suited to your lifestyle.
- Microsurgical Procedure (15 min):Through a microscopic incision (approx. 2 mm), without stitches, we remove the old lens and implant a lifelong implant. The procedure is painless thanks to topical anesthesia (eye drops).
- Return to life and L4:You rest at home for a few days on the L4 sick leave issued by us. The brain begins the fascinating process of neuroadaptation to HD quality.
Reviews
5.0
When do we advise against trifocal lenses?
Trifocal lenses offer complete independence from glasses — but they are not for everyone. We advise against them when:
- the patient drives professionally at night — light effects (halo, glare) around light sources can be bothersome,
- macular diseases (e.g., AMD) or advanced glaucoma are present — then a monofocal lens is a better choice,
- work requires maximum contrast vision in low light,
- after some previous corneal surgeries — the MS-39 topography examination is decisive.
Alternatives then include EDOF lenses or a proven monofocal lens with reading glasses. Which path to choose — we determine together during qualification, and if Trifocal is not for you, we will tell you directly.
Most Frequent Patient Questions
What do 2nd generation Trifocal Lenses (J&J Odyssey, enVista Envy, PanOptix Pro) offer?
The new generation of lenses uses advanced optical engineering that allows up to 94% light transmission (eliminating losses and scattering). This provides better contrast in low light conditions and reduces the intensity of night glare (halo) compared to older generation lenses.
What is “Neuroadaptation”?
Concentric rings on the lens can cause car lights at night to be surrounded by circles (halo). Neuroadaptation is your brain’s ability to learn to filter and ignore these circles with each passing week. For most patients, this process takes from several weeks to several months.
What if neuroadaptation fails for me?
In a very rare group of patients (2%), the brain does not accept the light effects. As an elite clinic, we offer an emergency exit: within a 2-month window from the first procedure, we can safely remove the trifocal lens and replace it with a classic monofocal lens.
Does lens implantation hurt?
No, the procedure is painless. We use highly effective local anesthesia (drops). The lens replacement itself takes only about 15 minutes per eye.
Will I get sick leave (L4) after the procedure?
Yes. We understand that your eyes need rest. We typically issue sick leave (L4) for a period of 3 to 7 days after the procedure for each eye.
Does the NFZ (National Health Fund) refund trifocal lenses in cataract surgery?
No. The National Health Fund only refunds basic monofocal lenses, after which you still need to wear reading glasses. Trifocal implants are luxury medicine, performed exclusively privately.
How do installments work with Santander Consumer Bank (MediRaty)?
We handle the formalities on-site at the clinic during your visit. A decision is made within 15 minutes, and the cost of the procedure can be divided into comfortable, low installments.
What is “Secondary Cataract” and how does the YAG laser help?
In about 30% of patients, many months after RLE, the natural posterior capsule (where the artificial lens sits) may slightly opacify. We resolve this in 60 seconds in the office using a YAG laser. The procedure is painless and permanently restores HD quality.
Can I have both eyes operated on at once?
In intraocular microsurgery, we adhere to rigorous Swiss protocols. We operate on one eye first, and the second at a safe interval (from a few days to a few weeks). This virtually eliminates the risk of bilateral infection.
I have astigmatism. Will a Trifocal lens eliminate it?
Yes. We use toric variants of the lenses. The MS39 tomograph calculates your astigmatism with micron precision, and we incorporate this parameter into the lens, correcting it permanently during the same procedure.
Does Dr. Victor Derhartunian personally perform the surgeries?
Yes. Dr. Victor Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS), an internationally renowned surgeon, personally verifies your qualification, directly advises against the procedure in case of professional contraindications, and personally operates in our clinics in Warsaw and Krakow.
Can the lens wear out or expire?
No. The implant is made of biocompatible acrylic material that remains in the eye forever. It does not opacify, does not wear out, and protects against cataract formation.
What is the Bioptics guarantee at SwissLaser?
If a microscopic, residual refractive error remains after surgery (due to the biology of healing), SwissLaser offers the possibility of excimer laser touch-up (Bioptics procedure) for PLN 3,700 per eye. This is our Swiss safety net.
How soon after the procedure will I be able to read normally?
Many patients read fine print without glasses the very next morning at their follow-up appointment. However, final vision stabilization and full neuroadaptation of the nervous system take from several weeks to months.
How to prepare for the MS39 qualification examination?
Stop wearing soft contact lenses for at least 7 days before your clinic visit (hard lenses for approx. 3 weeks). Regularly use preservative-free moisturizing drops – a stable tear film is crucial for accurate measurements to select a new lens.
Wondering if a trifocal lens is a good choice for your lifestyle? Compare all lens types.
For the curious: A trifocal lens is a diffractive intraocular lens that divides light into three focal points: far, intermediate (approx. 60–80 cm), and near (approx. 40 cm); some light energy (usually several percent) is lost to diffractive orders, which explains halos and reduced night contrast. At SwissLaser, we implant 2nd generation trifocal lenses: enVista Envy, Tecnis Odyssey, and PanOptix Pro. It is implanted into the lens capsule after phacoemulsification, like any IOL; in international nomenclature: multifocal/trifocal IOL. ICD-10 indications: H52.4 presbyopia, H25/H26 cataract, with toric variant additionally H52.2.
Sources
- Alió JL, Plaza-Puche AB, Férnandez-Buenaga R, Pikkel J, Maldonado M. Multifocal intraocular lenses: an overview. Surv Ophthalmol 2017;62(5):611–634. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.03.004
- de Silva SR, Evans JR, Kirthi V, Ziaei M, Leyland M. Multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses after cataract extraction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;12:CD003169. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003169.pub4
- Rampat R, Gatinel D. Multifocal and extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses in 2020. Ophthalmology 2021;128(11):e164–e185. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.09.026
Content substantively verified by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – specialist in refractive surgery. Last verification: October 2, 2026.
