Near and intermediate reading performance of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens using a reading desk.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reading performance of a trifocal intra-ocular lens (IOL) at near and intermediate distances using the Salzburg Reading Desk.

SETTING: International Vision Correction Research Centre and David J. Apple Laboratory, University Eye Clinic, Heidelberg, Germany.

DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical study.

METHODS: Follow-up examinations at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, uncorrected (UIVA) and distance-corrected (DCIVA)) intermediate as well as uncorrected (UNVA) and distance-corrected (DCNVA) near visual acuity. Uncorrected and distance-corrected reading acuity at 40 cm for near, 80 cm for intermediate distance, and at the patient's preferred near and intermediate distances were evaluated with the reading desk.

RESULTS: In this study, 22 eyes of 11 patients having cataract surgery with implantation of the trifocal Finevision IOL were evaluated. Postoperative monocular Snellen median values were 20/21.44 (range 20/52.61 to 20/14.49) for UDVA, 20/20.47 (range 20/38.11 to 20/16.64) for UIVA, and 20/26.39 (range 20/43.76 to 20/18.24) for UNVA. Subjective intermediate distance at the binocular uncorrected examination on the reading desk was 64.2 cm (range 51.9 to 80.0) with a reading acuity of 0.10 logMAR (range 0.32 to 0.00). Subjective near distance at the uncorrected binocular reading desk examination was 36.5 cm (30.8 to 41.2) with a near reading acuity of 0.06 logMAR (range 0.23 to -0.01). The preferred distances differed significantly from the fixed ones of 40 and 80 cm. The preferred intermediate distance was almost consistent, with the intermediate addition of 1.75 D corresponding to 57.1 cm.

CONCLUSION: The visual and reading function of the trifocal IOL was better at the patient's preferred near and intermediate distances.

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