Mix-and-match refers to using different types of IOLs in each eye to leverage their respective strengths.
For example, one common strategy: put an EDOF lens (extended depth of focus) in the dominant eye for strong distance and intermediate (or a monofocal for pristine distance), and a multifocal lens in the non-dominant eye that adds near coverage. The result is a broader range of vision than either lens alone could provide – you might get excellent distance and computer from the EDOF, and additional near sharpness from the multifocal eye. Another mix could be one multifocal lens that’s biased slightly toward distance focus in one eye and another multifocal of a different strength in the other eye to broaden the seamless range. (more common in the past, prior to trifocal and newer generation MFIOLs). Sometimes surgeons mix a monofocal in one eye and a multifocal in the other if, say, one eye has a condition making multifocal less suitable – giving some multifocal benefit while keeping one eye crisp monofocal.
The pros of mixing: you can mitigate some downsides (e.g., the EDOF eye might have fewer halos, balancing the multifocal eye’s halos, while still gaining near vision from the latter). The cons: it can be a bit more to adapt to, as each eye is giving a different visual “feel.” But many patients do adapt well and enjoy the combined benefits. It’s akin to a stereo sound system – one speaker might handle bass and the other treble, together giving a rich sound neither alone could. Only certain combinations are advisable (surgeons have learned which lenses complement each other). If your doctor suggests this, they believe you’ll get the best of both worlds by blending lens types. It’s a tailored approach and can be very successful for the right candidate. Mention that some surgeons do this routinely while others avoid altogether. Also mention sometimes if a MFIOL is planned, we start with the nondominant eye in case the patient does not like the side effects, and that leaves open the option for mix and match. This is one reason why the surgeon may recommend doing the better seeing eye first if ultimately both need to be done.
