Visual function after monocular implantation of apodized diffractive multifocal or single-piece monofocal intraocular lens: Randomized prospective comparison

PurposeTo compare visual function after phacoemulsification with implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) or a monofocal IOL.SettingDepartment of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.MethodsThis study comprised patients with unilateral cataract who had phacoemulsification with implantation of an AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 multifocal IOL (multifocal group) or an AcrySof SA60AT single-piece monofocal IOL (monofocal group). Postoperative visual function, including uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity; uncorrected (UNVA), corrected (CNVA), and distance-corrected near visual acuity; and contrast sensitivity were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Patient-reported vision and spectacle independence in the 2 groups were also compared.ResultsOf the 161 eyes, 72 were in the multifocal group and 89 were in the monofocal group. The multifocal group had statistically significant better UNVA than the monofocal group from 1 week postoperatively to the final follow-up and statistically significant better CNVA at 6 months (both P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences in UDVA or CDVA between the 2 groups over the 6-month follow-up. The multifocal group had statistically significantly better pseudoaccommodation than the monofocal group; the monofocal group had significantly better contrast sensitivity (both P<.05). Patients with the multifocal IOL reported being more satisfied than those with the monofocal IOL.ConclusionsThe multifocal IOL provided better near visual acuity and more spectacle independence than the monofocal IOL.Financial DisclosureNo author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.