Surface Light Scattering and Visual Function of Diffractive Multifocal Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses 6 Years after Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface light scattering associated with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and visual function 6 years after implantation.SETTING: Private practice.DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series.METHODS: Patients received a hydrophobic acrylic IOL and were followed for more than 6 years. Six years postoperatively, the intensity of the surface light scattering was measured using a Scheimpflug camera based anterior segment analyzer. The corrected distance (CDVA) and near (CNVA) visual acuities and contrast sensitivity were assessed.RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 10 patients received a diffractive multifocal IOL (Acrysof Restor SA60D3, study group), and 16 eyes of 8 patients received a monofocal IOL (Acrysof SA60AT, control group). Six years postoperatively, the anterior surface light scattering was more than 100 computer compatible tape units in both groups, with no significant difference between groups (P=.417). The mean CDVA and CNVA in the study group were -0.06 logMAR +/- 0.04 (SD) and 0.04 +/- 0.05 logMAR, respectively; however, the CNVA in both groups decreased compared with that at 1 year, as did the CDVA in the control group. Contrast sensitivity was within normal range at all spatial frequencies in both groups. There were no significant correlations between surface light scattering and the changes in corrected visual acuities (distance or near) between 1 year and 6 years postoperatively in either group.CONCLUSION: Although there was significantly increased surface light scattering 6 years postoperatively, the visual function with a diffractive multifocal IOL was comparable to that with a monofocal IOL. (C) 2013 ASCRS and ESCRS