A clinical evaluation of an aspheric multifocal intraocular lens and its implications for the developing world

To evaluate the clinical performance of a new aspheric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL), and to compare the results with a corresponding monofocal IOL.

Two groups of 20 patients each were implanted with a multifocal and monofocal IOL and prospectively studied. Distance and near vision, contrast sensitivity, depth of focus, and quality of vision were assessed in both groups.

In 85% of multifocal cases and 100% of monofocal cases, the corrected distance vision was 6/9 or better. With distance correction, 80% of multifocal cases had near vision of N9 or better against 10% of monofocal cases. The mean addition required for near vision N6 was +0.8 diopters (D) and +2.6 D in the multifocal and monofocal groups, respectively. Multifocal cases showed significantly decreased contrast sensitivity and increased depth of focus.

Multifocal IOLs are a good option for those with nonexacting visual requirements. The loss in contrast sensitivity seems to be an acceptable trade-off for satisfactory unaided near vision.