Four-year experience with a silicone refractive multifocal intraocular lens

To assess the long-term outcomes after implantation of a foldable silicone refractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Private practice, Osaka, Japan.

This retrospective study evaluated eyes that had implantation of an Array SA40N silicone refractive multifocal IOL with a follow-up of up to 4 years. Outcome measures were refraction, corneal astigmatism, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, uncorrected (UNVA) and corrected (CNVA) near visual acuities, incidence of glare and halos, patient satisfaction, time to neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy, and spectacle dependence.

The study comprised 41 patients (72 eyes) with a mean age of 48.7 years +/- 13.4 (SD) (range 18 to 71 years) and a mean scotopic pupil size of 5.7 +/- 1.0 mm (range 4.0 to 8.5 mm). The refraction and corneal astigmatism were stable throughout the 4-year follow-up. The mean acuity values 1 month postoperatively were as follows: UDVA, 0.06 logMAR; CDVA, 0.08 logMAR; UNVA, 0.24 logMAR; CNVA, 0.04 logMAR. The change at 4 years was not significant for any visual acuity (P>.64). Patient satisfaction with near vision decreased at 2 years (P = .054). An Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed in 48 eyes (66.7%) a mean 21.7 +/- 16.3 months postoperatively.

The silicone refractive multifocal IOL provided good and stable distance and near visual acuities over the 4-year follow-up, even though it was anticipated that slight posterior capsule opacification would affect near vision.

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.