Reading ability with 3 multifocal intraocular lens models

To prospectively evaluate reading performance with of 3 types of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) under different lighting conditions based on reading acuity and reading speed tests.

Augenklinik, Bad Hersfeld, Germany.

This randomized study comprised 60 cataract patients (120 eyes) randomly assigned to receive an SA40N IOL (AMO) (Group 1, 20 patients), Tecnis ZM001 IOL (AMO) (Group 2, 20 patients), or AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL (Alcon) (Group 3, 20 patients). Pupil size and reading ability at near (visual acuity, reading speed) without correction, with best distance correction, and with best near correction were assessed 6 weeks postoperatively under low-light conditions (6 cd/m(2)) and bright-light conditions (100 cd/m(2)) using the Radner Reading Charts.

Six weeks postoperatively, there was no significant difference between groups in pupil size measured under low-light (6 cd/m(2)) or bright-light (100 cd/m(2)) conditions. When assessed under low-light conditions, near visual acuity and reading speed with or without correction were generally better in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3; there were no significant difference between Groups 1 and 3. Under bright-light conditions, Groups 2 and 3 performed significantly better than Group 1 and Group 2 performed better than Group 3.

Under bright-light conditions, second-generation multifocal IOLs provided better reading performance than the Array SA40N IOL. However, when tested under low-light conditions, patients with the Tecnis ZM001 IOL had the best reading acuity and reading speed.