Purposes <p>This meta-analysis evaluated and compared postoperative visual function and other outcomes between enhanced and conventional monofocal intraocular lens (IOL).</p> Methods <p>A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies that compared both IOL types. The primary outcome measures included monocular or binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), distance corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), corrected near visual acuity (CNVA), photic phenomenon, contrast sensitivity and Catquest-9SF questionnaire results.</p> Results <p>This meta-analysis incorporated 11 randomized controlled trials, comprising 566 and 577 eyes in the enhanced monofocal (EM) and the conventional monofocal (CM) groups, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in UDVA or CDVA between the two groups (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05). However, the EM group demonstrated significantly better UIVA and DCIVA compared to the CM group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.001). Additionally, the EM group exhibited superior UNVA and CNVA relative to the CM group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.001). Both groups showed comparable results for photic phenomena, contrast sensitivity, and Catquest-9SF questionnaire results.</p> Conclusions <p>The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that enhanced monofocal IOLs offer superior intermediate visual acuity while maintaining visual performance comparable to that of conventional monofocal IOLs. EM IOLs may be a viable option for patients with cataracts seeking improved intermediate vision. Although EM IOLs yielded statistically better UNVA outcomes, the overall visual performance was still insufficient to achieve satisfactory near vision and complete spectacle independence, indicating limited clinical significance.</p> <p>The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD420251232044).</p>