Premium & Multifocal Lenses
See at every distance without reaching for glasses.
Premium intraocular lenses — multifocal, trifocal and extended-depth-of-focus designs — restore clear vision at distance, intermediate and near in a single eye. For cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, they reduce or eliminate dependence on reading glasses. At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, the choice of lens is individual, informed by your lifestyle and your comfort with mild visual trade-offs.
Premium IOLs (intraocular lenses) are implanted during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange to provide multi-distance vision without glasses. Multifocal IOLs give two focal zones (distance and near), trifocal IOLs three (distance, intermediate and near), and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs a continuous range of focus. Toric versions correct astigmatism at the same time. Unlike standard monofocal IOLs covered by the national health system, premium lenses are a private option. All five ophthalmologists at Palazzo Manzoni — Russo, Festa, Boldini, Cancarini and Zilioli — implant premium IOLs.
Multi-distance
Distance, intermediate and near in one eye
Fewer glasses
Reduces or eliminates reading-glasses dependence
Your lifestyle
The lens is chosen around your work and priorities
Proven
Millions of premium lenses implanted worldwide
The Trade-Off
Clear vision at every distance has a price worth understanding.
Standard intraocular lenses give you clear distance vision, but reading glasses become necessary for close work. That trade-off suits many people — they have lived with reading glasses for decades and prefer not to risk any visual side effect.
For others, the chance to read without glasses, to use a computer without bifocals, to travel without a glasses case, makes a small visual compromise worthwhile. Premium lenses offer that chance: usable vision at distance, intermediate and near, all in one eye. Most people adapt within days, though some notice mild glare or halos in the first weeks that usually fade.
This is not the choice for everyone. It is the choice for people who understand the trade-offs and value freedom from glasses more than they fear the small risk of glare. At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, the first step is simply a full diagnostic assessment, where we understand your eyes and your life before we recommend anything. It takes about an hour, and it commits you to nothing.
Who Premium Lenses Suit
The right patient, and the right lens for your eyes
Premium lenses suit people whose eye health allows it, whose expectations about the visual trade-offs are realistic, and whose lifestyle justifies a private lens. The first examination is where that fit is established: a careful look at your retina, your prescription, your daily visual demands and your tolerance for glare.
All five ophthalmologists at Palazzo Manzoni — Russo, Festa, Boldini, Cancarini and Zilioli — implant premium IOLs, each an experienced cataract and refractive surgeon.
01
A lens matched to your life
Heavy computer work and reading point toward a trifocal; balanced distance and near toward a multifocal or EDOF; a low tolerance for glare toward an EDOF. The design follows how you actually use your eyes.
02
A healthy retina first
Premium lenses only help when the retina is healthy. Advanced macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy limit vision whatever the lens — there, a standard IOL is the safer, simpler choice.
03
Realistic expectations
A small risk of glare and a slight reduction in contrast are the price of freedom from glasses. Premium lenses suit people who value that freedom more than they fear the trade-off.
04
A private, considered choice
Premium IOLs are a private option above the standard monofocal lens. When freedom from reading glasses genuinely matters to your daily life, they offer real value.
How It Works
Multifocal, trifocal, EDOF:
which is right for you?
All premium IOL designs offer multi-distance vision, but they work differently. The right one depends on where you spend most of your visual attention — far away, at arm’s length, or up close.
Here’s how they compare. The choice is made with you, after your assessment.
Option 01
Multifocal IOL
Best for
Patients whose visual time splits between distance — driving, watching — and near — reading, phones. Those happy to leave reading glasses behind entirely.
What it feels like
Two distinct focal zones, one for distance and one for near. Your eye and brain use whichever suits the task. Light is split between both zones at once, which is why some glare is possible.
Recovery
Excellent distance and near vision; intermediate, at arm’s length, good to fair. Any glare or halos usually settle within a month or two.
Trade-offs
Mild glare or halos around headlights at night in the first weeks; contrast slightly reduced; computer distance can feel a little soft. Cost: €€ (private).
Option 02
Trifocal IOL
Best for
Professionals who split the day across three distances — driving far, computer at arm’s length, reading up close. Those who want the most balanced vision at every range.
What it feels like
Three distinct focal zones: distance, intermediate and near. The intermediate zone is a real advantage if you spend considerable time at arm’s length.
Recovery
Excellent distance, intermediate and near vision — better intermediate than a multifocal. Glare possible, similar to a multifocal.
Trade-offs
Similar to a multifocal but with better intermediate vision, and slightly more glare risk than EDOF. Cost: €€€ (private, typically higher than multifocal).
Option 03
EDOF IOL
Best for
Patients who want multi-distance vision with the least glare, who prefer a continuous depth of field, and who spend more time at distance and near than in between.
What it feels like
Rather than distinct zones, EDOF stretches the point of focus into a continuous range from far to near. Less light is split between zones, so glare is minimised.
Recovery
Excellent distance, good intermediate and good near vision — near not quite as crisp as a multifocal, but functional. Minimal glare and halos.
Trade-offs
Near vision is functional but not as sharp; some still use glasses for very fine print. Requires careful refraction targeting. Cost: €€ to €€€ (private).
Option 04
Toric versions
Best for
Anyone with astigmatism choosing a multifocal, trifocal or EDOF lens.
What it feels like
Every premium design is available with built-in astigmatism correction. A toric premium lens corrects astigmatism at the same time as delivering multi-distance vision.
Recovery
The same multi-distance profile as the chosen base design, with astigmatism corrected in the same procedure.
Trade-offs
A small additional premium above the base lens cost.
Which lens is yours?
That’s what the assessment is for.
From Consultation to Clear Vision
From consultation to multi-distance vision.
Step 01
The assessment
A thorough diagnostic examination — assessment of the lens and retina, eye-pressure measurement, imaging to confirm your eyes are suitable for a premium IOL, and detailed refraction analysis. A conversation about your work, your daily visual demands, your tolerance for glare and your budget. An honest view of which lens design — multifocal, trifocal or EDOF — would suit your life best.
Step 02
Lens selection and refraction planning
A detailed discussion of the chosen lens design, its advantages and its visual trade-offs, and your target refraction (how your eye will be focused after surgery). Both eyes corrected for distance, or a slight monovision approach in one eye to preserve extra near vision? You leave with a written plan, a detailed cost estimate, and time to decide.
Step 03
Pre-operative work-up
Usually one to two weeks before surgery: standard pre-operative blood tests, an anaesthesiology review if needed, final IOL power calculations, and a signed informed-consent document that specifically covers the visual side effects of premium lenses (glare, halos, reduced contrast).
Step 04
The day of surgery
You arrive at Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, change into surgical wear, and anaesthetic drops are instilled. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye — usually one eye, then the other a few days later for cataract; same-day bilateral placement for refractive lens exchange in selected cases. You go home the same day.
Step 05
The first week
Your vision may be surprisingly clear immediately, though it can be slightly hazy on the first day. Mild glare around car headlights at night is common in the first week and fades significantly by week two. You use prescribed drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, and wear dark glasses outside. Most people adapt quickly.
Step 06
Follow-up and stabilisation
Follow-up appointments at one day, one week, one month and three months. By one month, vision is usually stable and glare has resolved. By three months, the eye has fully settled — and you know whether you are truly happy with the lens choice.
Patient Stories
They chose to see
without glasses
Stories grouped by the lens each patient chose. Placeholder copy until real patient consents are in place.
In their own words
I came in expecting to just fix my cataract. The specialist explained that a multifocal lens would let me read without glasses for the first time in decades. There was a week of halos around car headlights, but it passed. I haven’t touched my reading glasses since.
I wanted to avoid both glasses and reading glasses. The EDOF lens has given me that. The glare was minimal and didn’t last long. I’m completely happy.
I’m a designer and spend all day at the computer. The trifocal lens was the right choice. I see well at all distances and I work comfortably. Worth every penny.
Who Leads the Department
Dr. Andrea Russo
Ophthalmologist. Founder of Palazzo Manzoni. Specialist in laser refractive surgery, ICL and cataract surgery.
International surgical training
including Moorfields Eye Hospital, London
Academic research and teaching
research fellow at the University of Brescia, 1,200+ peer-reviewed citations
Professional societies
fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery (FWCRS), member of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS) and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
Inventor
creator of D-Eye, a smartphone-based retinal imaging device used in clinical practice worldwide
15,000+
procedures performed
“Every pair of eyes tells a different story. Our role is to understand yours fully, explore every option that could improve your vision, and guide you with confidence toward the one that fits your life best.”
Options
If a premium lens isn’t right, that’s not the end of the story
Some retinas limit what any lens can deliver. Some lives are better served by distance correction and reading glasses. Premium lenses are not the right answer for everyone.
If a premium lens is not the right fit, the alternatives are good ones — and your assessment will point to the path that suits your eyes and your life.
→Standard monofocal IOL
Clear distance vision after cataract removal, with reading glasses for close work — the simpler, safer choice when the retina limits vision.
→Cataract surgery
When a cataract is the reason for surgery, a premium IOL can be chosen at the same time to address distance and near vision together.
→Presbyond laser
If you do not yet have a cataract, laser blended vision can correct early-to-moderate presbyopia without replacing the lens.
→Refractive lens exchange
For clear-lens eyes, the natural lens is replaced with a premium IOL purely to reduce dependence on glasses.
Your assessment will clarify which path is right.
Common Questions
Common questions
about premium intraocular lenses
What’s the difference between a premium multifocal IOL and a standard monofocal IOL?
A standard monofocal IOL focuses light to a single point — usually distance. You see clearly at distance, but you need reading glasses for close work. A multifocal IOL has two focal zones (distance and near), allowing you to see clearly at both without glasses. The trade-off is the possibility of mild glare or halos in the first weeks, and a slight reduction in contrast sensitivity.
Is glare and halos with premium lenses permanent?
No. Most patients experience glare or halos in the first week or two after surgery, but it fades significantly by week four and is usually gone completely by week eight. Some patients have mild residual glare under specific conditions (night driving in rain), but this is rare and usually doesn’t affect daily life.
Can I still use reading glasses after a premium IOL?
Yes. Some patients choose to wear reading glasses for extended fine-print reading or needlework despite having a multifocal lens, simply because it’s slightly more comfortable. The lens gives you the option to go without glasses for most tasks, but glasses remain available if you want them for specific activities.
What if I have astigmatism — can a premium lens correct it?
Yes. Toric versions of multifocal, trifocal, and EDOF lenses are available and will correct astigmatism simultaneously with providing multi-distance vision. This is often an excellent choice for patients with astigmatism who want to reduce glasses dependence.
Which premium lens should I choose — multifocal, trifocal, or EDOF?
That depends on where you spend most of your visual time. If you work primarily at distance and near (driving, reading), multifocal is excellent. If you spend significant time at arm’s length (computer work, crafts), trifocal offers better intermediate vision. If you want minimal glare risk, EDOF is worth considering, though near vision is slightly less crisp. Your ophthalmologist will make a recommendation based on your lifestyle during the consultation.
What happens if I’m unhappy with my premium lens choice?
Genuine dissatisfaction is rare. If you’re unhappy by three months (the time when glare resolves and the brain fully adapts), your options include: (a) continuing to wear reading glasses for supplementary near vision while still enjoying glasses-free distance and intermediate vision, or (b) in rare cases, a consultation about lens exchange. However, this is uncommon — most patients are very satisfied once the adaptation period is complete.
Do premium IOLs last a lifetime?
Yes. Premium IOLs are made of the same durable materials as standard IOLs and are designed to last indefinitely. They don’t degrade, cloud, or require replacement.
Will I still develop presbyopia or cataract after premium IOL implantation?
Presbyopia (age-related hardening of the lens) won’t affect you because your natural lens is removed during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Cataract, however, can develop on the back surface of the eye (posterior capsular opacification) years after surgery, but this is easily treated with a simple laser procedure. True cataract affecting the cornea or other structures can develop naturally over decades, but this is the same risk any patient faces and is not specific to premium lenses.
Can I have premium lenses placed in both eyes at once?
For cataract surgery, usually one eye is done, then the other a few days later. This allows your vision to improve in the first eye while the second heals, and gives us full information to optimise the second eye’s refraction. For refractive lens exchange (elective surgery in clear-lens eyes), same-day bilateral placement can sometimes be offered, but this is discussed individually.
What if my vision doesn’t improve as much as I hoped?
This is rare — most premium IOL patients achieve excellent visual outcomes. However, if another condition (like macular degeneration) is also limiting your vision, that condition will limit your improvement even after premium IOL placement. This is determined during the pre-operative examination and discussed honestly before you proceed.
Are premium lenses worth the cost?
This depends on your lifestyle and your priorities. If freedom from reading glasses is genuinely important to your daily life and you can afford the private cost, premium lenses offer real value. If you’re comfortable with reading glasses or your budget is limited, standard IOLs remain an excellent option with minimal visual trade-offs.
Who at Palazzo Manzoni implants premium IOLs?
Premium IOLs are implanted by all five ophthalmologists: Dr. Andrea Russo, Dr. Festa, Dr. Boldini, Dr. Cancarini, and Dr. Zilioli. All are experienced cataract and refractive surgeons with extensive premium IOL expertise.
Take the Next Step
Your next step starts
with a conversation
At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, every consultation is personal, unhurried, and designed to give you clarity about your next step.
Address
Via dei Mille 14, 25122 Brescia, Italia
Phone
Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30 · Sat 9:00-13:00
01
Get in touch
Call, email, WhatsApp, or book online.
02
Meet your specialist
A personal consultation to understand your situation.
03
Your plan, your pace
Together you decide the best path forward.
Scientific research
Dr. Andrea Russo co-authored a study on intraocular lens power calculation by ray tracing in complex eyes, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2026). The team’s full list of publications is available on PubMed.
Content reviewed by Dr. Giulia Festa and Dr. Jacopo Zilioli, cataract surgeons at the Institute.