Effects on visual function of glistenings and folding marks in AcrySof intraocular lenses

To study the effects on visual function of glistenings and folding marks in AcrySof (Alcon) intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylül University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.

This study included 91 eyes that had phacoemulsification and in-the-bag AcrySof IOL implantation. Slitlamp, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity evaluations were used to assess all cases. Observations of folding marks and glistenings in the IOL optic were noted. The glistenings were graded from 0 to +4. Eyes with coexisting pathology that could affect visual acuity (n = 15) were excluded from the study. After the exclusion, the visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in 28 eyes with glistenings were compared with those in 48 eyes without glistenings.

Localized folding marks away from the central visual axis of the IOL were identified in 25 eyes (27.4%). Glistenings were observed in 34 eyes (37.1%), 6 of which were excluded for coexisting pathology. There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at low or medium spatial frequencies between eyes with glistenings and those without (P >.05); however, a statistically significant difference was noted at the high spatial frequency (P <.01). There was no difference in visual acuity or contrast sensitivity between eyes with folding marks and those without (P >.05).

Although glistenings and folding marks were observed after the implantation of AcrySof IOLs, they did not significantly affect visual function.