Comparison of reading performance after bilateral implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses with +3.00 or +4.00 diopter addition.

PURPOSE: To compare reading ability after cataract surgery and bilateral implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with a +3.00 diopter (D) addition (add) or a +4.00 D add.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

DESIGN

Prospective comparative study.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly assigned to bilateral implantation of an aspheric AcrySof ReSTOR multifocal IOL with a +3.00 diopter (D) addition (add) or a +4.00 D add. The reading speed, critical print size, and reading acuity were measured binocularly with best correction using MNREAD acuity charts 6 months after surgery. Patients were tested with the chart at the best patient-preferred reading distance and at 40 cm. Binocular uncorrected and best distance-corrected visual acuities at far and near were also measured.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 32 patients. At the best reading distance, the results were similar between the 2 IOL groups in all reading parameters. When tested at 40 cm, reading speed at all print sizes from 0.3 to 0.0 (all P<.001), critical print size (P<.001), and reading acuity (P = .014) were statistically significantly better in the +3.00 D IOL group than in the +4.00 D IOL group. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuities at far and near were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Although the 2 IOL groups had similar performance in reading parameters, patients had to adjust to their best reading distance. The +3.00 D IOL performed better than the +4.00 D IOL at 40 cm.