Is multifocal lens worth the extra cost for cataract surgery?

This depends entirely on your lifestyle and how much you value spectacle independence.

Monofocal IOL (Rs 8,000-15,000): Excellent distance or near vision (you choose the focus). You will need reading glasses for near work. Proven technology, very predictable outcomes. Most patients over 65 choose this.

Multifocal IOL (Rs 40,000-70,000 per eye): Aims for independence from glasses at all distances. Works well in 80-85% of patients. In 10-15% there are halos and glare especially at night which can bother some people.

My honest assessment: If you drive a lot at night, have significant astigmatism, or are very sensitive to visual disturbances, monofocal is safer. If you are active, want to read without glasses, and can accept occasional night halos, multifocal is worth it. Age matters too — younger cataract patients benefit more from multifocal.

Chose multifocal at 58 years for both eyes. Best decision ever — completely glasses-free for 2 years. Some night halos for first 3 months but they faded. The extra cost was worth it for my active lifestyle.

Chose monofocal at 70. No regrets. I wear reading glasses for near work which does not bother me. Saved Rs 85,000 for the pair and have crystal clear distance vision.