For Mike Ryan, a lifelong wearer of glasses, the decision to undergo refractive cataract surgery at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology opened up a new world—one of clarity, color, and ease he had never known. 

“I have never had this level of precision of vision that didn’t have a layer of glass between me and what I was looking at,” Ryan said. “Wherever I look, I’m just now looking around at things in the room—whatever I look at has depth and clarity that I’ve never experienced.” 

Ryan’s journey began when cataracts developed suddenly and progressed quickly, significantly affecting his ability to see clearly and making him more sensitive to light. “It cast a haze over what I was looking at,” he said. “I needed a lot more light to see things.” 

He asked to be referred to the University of Iowa, where he learned about the possibility of receiving multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs)—advanced implants that could correct both near and distance vision, greatly reducing or eliminating the need for bifocals and glasses altogether. 

“I didn’t know it was an option until it was explained to me by the staff at the university,” he said. “The desired outcome would be to have true multifocal vision—distance, reading, and intermediate clarity.” 

For Ryan, the impact was immediate. After surgery on his right eye, “I scarcely knew I had anything done. The next day, I just watched, by the hour, as it got sharper and sharper—until I was 20/15 at the next visit.” 

The second eye, which required a more complex toric multifocal lens due to astigmatism, came with a slightly longer healing process. “There was some post-op pain—nothing intense—but it improved literally every day,” Ryan explained. “Now I can see really well. That’s the key factor.” 

Ryan says the benefits have extended into every aspect of his daily life—from working on a computer screen for hours at a time to enjoying the outdoors without the hassle of glasses. “I spend a lot of time on the screen, and what I’m looking at is crisper. I can actually use smaller text. And when I’m outdoors fishing or boating, I don’t have to deal with glasses getting water on them or fogging up.” 

He also shared how freeing it is to move through life without the constant adjustments required by glasses. “I used to wear multifocal glasses, and I’d be constantly tilting my head to find the sweet spot for the screen,” he said. “Now, that’s gone.” 

Ryan acknowledged that cost may be a consideration for many patients, but he believes the long-term value justifies the investment. “It was a pretty quick decision for me. I factored in what I’d spend on glasses every year and realized this was worth it.” 

His advice to others considering multifocal IOLs? Know your lifestyle, do the math, and ask questions—but also trust the care team. “The experience at Iowa was very professional. The surgeon was clear—no guarantees, but every expectation that it would improve my vision. And it certainly has.” 

Patient stories like Ryan’s illustrate how innovative technology and expert care continue to change lives. “It’s to my good fortune that this came on when it did,” Ryan reflected. “The university has this specialty, and I had this opportunity to have better vision. It’s just astonishing.”