Study of visual functions with multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses after phacoemulsification in patients with age-related cataract

Abstract

Early visual rehabilitation and targeting emmetropia using small incisions and foldable IOLs is the main objective of modern cataract surgery, the so termed ‘refractive cataract surgery’. This current single-center prospective study assessed the clinical outcomes and thus patient satisfaction of multifocal IOLs over monofocal IOLs. To study visual functions with a refractive –diffractive type multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses after phacoemulsification in patients with age related cataract. 40 patients undergoing phacoemulsification for decreased vision due to age related cataract were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in group 1 underwent multifocal IOL [refractive –diffractive type] implantation and patients in group 2 underwent confocal IOL implantation. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for 90 days and assessed for unaided visual acuity for distance, intermediate and near vision, contrast sensitivity using Pelli-robson chart. At the end of the study, uncorrected visual acuity for distance (UDVA) was 6/9 in 65% patients in group 1 while 50% had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/9 in group 2. Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) in group 1 was N10 or better in 55% patients while in group 2, 75% patients had N24. Uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) in group 1 was N6 in 35% patients and N8 in 35% while in group 2, 75% patients had N18 vision, A paramount statistical difference was seen in the two groups.(p=0.001). The mean contrast sensitivity in group 1 was 2.04+/-0.23 and group 2 was 2.20+/-0.07(although statistically significant but within normal limits). None of the patients in any group had any significant complaint of glare or haloes. Mutifocal IOLs decrease the spectacle dependence of patients without compromising the subjective visual functions