The 11th annual ESCRS Clinical Trends Survey was launched at the 2025 Congress in Copenhagen. This year’s survey received over 2,000 responses, building upon the success of previous editions, which have gathered input from more than 18,000 participants.
The survey asked ESCRS delegates key questions about the challenges they regularly face in clinical practice. Topics included cataract extraction, astigmatism management, ocular surface disease, glaucoma, and, as shown here, presbyopia correction.
A major benefit of conducting this survey annually is the ability to monitor trends over time. Notably, the 2025 data show—for the first time—that PARTIAL-DOFi Extended (EDF) IOL use has surpassed FULL-DOFi Smooth/Continuous (Trifocal) IOL use.
In the ESCRS Clinical Trends Series Report on Presbyopia, ESCRS leader Joaquín Fernández shared his perspective on the future of simultaneous vision IOLs. He suggests that over the next 5–10 years, progress is unlikely to come from a dramatic redesign of IOL technology, but rather from a more refined and strategic use of existing technologies. This evolution will be supported by the continued growth of high-quality clinical research, further clarifying the functional profiles of individual IOLs.
Based on this expanding evidence base, Dr. Fernández anticipates that surgeons will increasingly combine IOLs from different functional categories to allow for greater personalization of outcomes. He also expects further research into micro-monovision, a practical approach to enhancing near spectacle independence. However, he notes that Full Depth of Field IOLs continue to deliver superior outcomes in achieving this goal. Finally, he points to emerging tools—such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality—as potential contributors to improved efficiency and more informed decision-making within the field.
Read the ESCRS Clinical Trends Series: Presbyopia Survey Report Here
To hear insights on simultaneous vision IOLs from Dr. Fernández and other leading experts, including, Oliver Findl (Chair), Ruth Lapid-Gortzak, Nic Reus, and Andrea Janeková join us for the “Achieving Optimal Visual Outcomes in Presbyopia Patients with Simultaneous Vision IOLs”. The session will be held on Friday, March 6th, 2026, at Room 101 ABC, Messukeskus, Helsinki,as part of the Winter ESCRS conference.
