ReSTOR intraocular lens implantation in cataract surgery: quality of vision

To compare the visual outcome and subjective visual symptoms in patients who had implantation of the AcrySof ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Alcon Laboratories) with those in patients who received the AcrySof SA60AT monofocal IOL (Alcon Laboratories) in cataract surgery.

Southend Hospital, Essex, United Kingdom.

Eighty eyes of 40 patients received the ReSTOR multifocal IOL after cataract extraction. They were closely paired in age, sex, and ocular findings with patients who had monofocal IOL implantation during the same period. The distance and near visual acuities were compared, and patient satisfaction with their vision, visual symptoms, and spectacle dependence was assessed using a standardized questionnaire.

There was no significant difference in the mean uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuities between the groups. An uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/30 or better was achieved in 93.8% eyes in the multifocal group and 82.5% in the monofocal group and of 20/20 or better in 57.5% and 40.0%, respectively (P = .18). Uncorrected near visual acuity was 20/30 or better in 75.0% of eyes in the multifocal group and 3.8% in the monofocal group. Reading glasses were required by 2.5% in the multifocal group and by 92.5% in the monofocal group. Satisfactory uncorrected intermediate distance vision was achieved in 75.0% of eyes in the multifocal group and 87.5% in the monofocal group (P = .089); 85.0% of patients in the multifocal group and 7.5% in the monofocal group never had to wear glasses. Moderate glare was reported by 21.3% in the multifocal group and 7.5% in the monofocal group (P = .008); no patient reported severe glare. In the multifocal group, severe halos and moderate halos occurred in 3.8% [corrected] of eyes and 16.3% [corrected] of eyes, respectively.

The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL provided predictably good uncorrected distance and uncorrected near acuities. Spectacle independence was significantly higher with this multifocal IOL, which outweighed the photic symptoms it caused.