[The TRUE-VISTA bifocal IOL. Results of the European multicenter study]

In the last few years a number of bifocal IOL has been developed. The True Vista IOL, a three-zone refractive bifocal IOL with central and peripheral distance zones and a pericentral near annulus, was implanted in 367 patients in a prospective European multicenter study between February 1990 and May 1991. Visual acuity, pupil size and astigmatism were determined. At 4-6 months near acuity was measured with reading charts (Nieden Chart) and at 7-11 months with a Snellen chart (Lighthouse Chart). At 4-6 (7-11) months, so far 164 (73) of the patients have been available for follow-up. Best corrected distance acuity was 20/40 or better in 97% (99%), best corrected near acuity was 20/30 or better in 91% (83%), and uncorrected near acuity was 20/30 or better in 64% (59%). Average Snellen near acuity (Lighthouse Chart) was 20/25, slightly lower than the average reading acuity of 20/22 (Nieden Chart) (p = 0.34, Wilcoxontest). Distance and near acuity also decreased with increasing astigmatism and increasing age. Our results demonstrate good visual acuities with the True Vista bifocal IOL. Age and postoperative astigmatism may affect the performance of bifocal IOL. Snellen near acuity is reduced, despite normal reading acuity, but further investigation is required.