Multifocal intraocular lenses in the setting of glaucoma

The purpose of this review is to collate evidence and make recommendations regarding the use of multifocal intraocular lenses in patients with glaucoma.

Multifocal intraocular implants have been in use since the 1980s. Several studies have been done comparing their advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional monofocal intraocular implants. Most of these studies have looked at patients with cataract and no ocular comorbities. Reports of their use in eyes with concurrent disease are scarce. We review the available evidence and the potential benefits and pitfalls of using multifocal intraocular lenses in glaucomatous eyes. A recently published Cochrane review identified eight trials which had stringent criteria to recruit patients. These studies excluded all patients with concurrent eye diseases. No recent publications are available specifically evaluating the use of multifocal intraocular lenses in patients with glaucoma.

Firm recommendations cannot be made on the use of multifocal intraocular lenses in patients with glaucoma as large studies have not been done to evaluate their benefit. Currently, the decision of whether to use multifocal intraocular lenses in patients with glaucoma has to be made on an individual basis.