Multifocal intraocular lens differentiation using defocus curves

To determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the differentiation of multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) designs by using defocus curve assessment of visual capability.

Four groups of 15 subjects were implanted bilaterally with either monofocal intraocular lenses, refractive MIOLs, diffractive MIOLs, or a combination of refractive and diffractive MIOLs. Defocus curves between -5.0 D and +1.5 D were evaluated by using an absolute and relative depth-of-focus method, the direct comparison method, and a new "area-of-focus" metric. The results were correlated with a subjective perception of near and intermediate vision.

Neither depth-of-focus method of analysis was sensitive enough to differentiate between MIOL groups (P > 0.05). The direct comparison method indicated that the refractive MIOL group performed better at +1.00 diopter (D), -1.00 D, and -1.50 D and worse at -3.00 D, -3.50 D, -4.00 D, and -5.00 D than did the diffractive MIOL group (P < 0.05). The area-of-focus intermediate zone was greater with the refractive than with the diffractive MIOL group (P = 0.005) and the near zone was better with the diffractive (P = 0.020) and "mix and match" (P = 0.039) groups than with the refractive MIOL group. The subjective perception of intermediate and near vision agreed best with the area-of-focus metric for the intermediate (r(s) = 0.408, P = 0.010) and near zone (r(s) = 0.484, P < 0.001).

Conventional depth-of-focus metrics provide a single value to quantify the useful range of vision; however, they fail to provide sufficient detail to differentiate between MIOL designs. The direct comparison method provides a large amount of information, although the results can be complex to interpret. The proposed area-of-focus metric provides a simple, but differentiating method of evaluating MIOL defocus curves.