Impact of Decentration and Tilt on Spherical, Aberration Correcting, and Specific Aspherical Intraocular Lenses: An Optical Bench Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The human eye is not optically symmetrical, and very few intraocular lens (IOLs) are perfectly centered in the eye. That is why contrast sensitivity can degrade in some conditions, especially in low light. In an optical bench analysis, we compare spherical (A), aberration correcting (B), and specific aspherical lenses (C) in terms of impact of decentration and tilt on the modulation transfer function as well as the simulated overall quality with USAF test targets. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> The OptiSpheric IOL PRO2 was used to measure the optical performance of IOLs (A, B, C). In order to assess the optical quality of the IOLs, the optical quality parameters for the aperture size of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm at the IOL plane were assessed. Through Frequency Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Strehl Ratio (SR) values, as well as the “US Airforce 1951 resolution test chart images” as qualitative simulation, were analyzed. All measurements (ISO) were repeated and done for centered, decentered (1 mm), and tilted (5°) IOLs. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Centered: The MTF (mean) at 50 lp/mm (IOL A, B, C) with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.794/0.716/0.797 (ISO-1 cornea) and 0.673/0.752/0.723 (ISO-2 cornea) and with 4.5-mm aperture 0.728/0.365/0.751 (ISO 1) and 0.276/0.767/0.505 (ISO 2). The SR (mean) with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.763/0.829/0.898 and with 4.5-mm aperture 0.228/0.386/0.432. Decentered by 1 mm: The MTF (mean) at 50 lp/mm with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.779/0.459/0.726 (ISO 1) and 0.695/0.381/0.662 (ISO 2). The MTF (mean) at 50 lp/mm with 4.5-mm aperture was 0.732/0.348/0.653 (ISO 1) and 0.355/0.069/0.346 (ISO 2). The SR (mean) with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.829/0.543/0.397 and with 4.5-mm aperture was 0.259/0.145/0.192. Tilted by 5°: The MTF (mean) at 50 lp/mm with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.731/0.705/0.751 (ISO 1) and 0.623/0.727/0.732 (ISO 2). The MTF (mean) at 50 lp/mm with 4.5-mm aperture was 0.579/0.406/0.701 (ISO 1) and 0.277/0.512/0.429 (ISO 2). The SR (mean) with 3.0-mm aperture was 0.539/0.478/0.514 and with 4.5-mm aperture was 0.262/0.136/0.201. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Aberration correcting IOLs perform best when perfectly centered. The optical performance of aberration correcting IOLs can be markedly downgraded by misalignment. The examined ZO optic performed well in decentration and tilt. The ZO concept seems to be a good alternative to aspheric lenses, as it achieves to combine benefits of spherical and aspheric intraocular lenses. There is no perfect IOL, but fitting and choosing the right one for the individual case seems to be crucial to take advantage of benefits and minimize disadvantages. This is why knowledge of optical properties is also mandatory for the surgeon.