The key issues for modern intraocular lenses are biocompatability, centration, dioptric accuracy, unwanted optical imagery, secondary intervention and injectability through an enlarged 3.0 mm wound without stretch of the wound edges. Broadly, there are three materials to consider: silicone which is hydrophobic, the hydrophobic foldable acrylics and the hydrophilic hybrid acrylics. Each will be considered in terms of lens design and key issues, with discussion of likes future trends.