Analysis of defocus curves of different modern multifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual performance in patients implanted with different modern multifocal intraocular lens (mfIOL) models using defocus curves.

METHODS: This prospective, interventional, comparative, nonrandomized consecutive series of cases included 60 patients (45-87 years) who underwent binocular cataract surgery. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the intraocular lens (IOL) implanted after cataract surgery: group A, 15 patients with AT LISA tri 839MP IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec); group B, 15 patients with FineVision trifocal IOL (PhysIOL); group C, 15 patients with ReSTOR SN6AD1 bifocal IOL (Alcon); and group D, 15 patients with Acri.Smart 48S monofocal IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Distance and near visual acuity outcomes and defocus curve of each one of the mfIOLs were evaluated postoperatively during a 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in distance and near vision were found among groups (p<0.01). Statistically significant differences were found among groups (p<0.01) for defocus levels ranging from -4.00 D to +0.50 D. Statistically significant differences were found between trifocal IOL groups for defocus levels ranging from -2.00 to +1.00 D (p<0.01), with better values of visual acuity for group A. Statistically significant differences were detected between groups A and C for defocus levels of -1.50 and -1.00 D with better visual acuity for group A.

CONCLUSIONS: Multifocal IOLs provide good distance, near, and intermediate visual acuity. The AT LISA tri MP839 showed better outcomes for intermediate vision than the FineVision and AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 IOLs. By knowing the defocus curve profile of each lens, the surgeon can select the best IOL.