Optical analysis, reading performance, and quality-of-life evaluation after implantation of a diffractive multifocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reading performance, changes in quality of life, and optical performance after cataract surgery with multifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

SETTING

Vissum Corporation, Alicante, Spain.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Patients with bilateral cataract had implantation of Acri.LISA 366D multifocal IOLs. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity outcomes were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. Other parameters evaluated included reading performance (Salzburg Reading Desk), a 25-item quality-of-life questionnaire (National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 [NEI VFQ-25] and appendix NEI VFQ-39), and ocular optical performance (ocular aberrometry and modulation transfer function).

RESULTS

The study included 48 eyes (24 patients) ranging in age from 47 to 77 years. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) improved significantly 1 month postoperatively (P<.01), with no significant changes afterward (6 months, P≥.06). The mean reading acuity without correction improved significantly from 0.68 logRAD ± 0.20 (SD) to 0.16 ± 0.08 logRAD 1 month after surgery (P < .01). However, it was worse by the end of the follow-up (6 months, P = .04). During the follow-up, no significant changes were found in the mean reading speed without near correction (6 months, P = .50). Contrast sensitivity improved significantly at all spatial frequencies under photopic and scotopic conditions after surgery (6 months, P≤.02). The quality-of-life index related to reading ability also improved significantly (3 months, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Implantation of the multifocal diffractive IOL significantly improved reading performance, which had a positive effect on the patient's quality of life postoperatively.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.