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

Abstract

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.