Silicone-diffractive versus acrylic-refractive supplementary iols: visual performance and manual handling

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science in Medical Devices

Background:

• Cataract surgery often involves intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to restore vision.
• Additional multifocal IOLs (MIOLs) are used to correct vision at multiple distances.
• Sulcus-fixated MIOLs offer an alternative for patients needing refractive correction beyond the capsular bag.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the visual outcomes and handling characteristics of two different sulcus-fixated multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs).
• To evaluate refractive versus diffractive MIOL designs for post-cataract surgery vision correction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study comparing the refractive Sulcoflex 653F and diffractive MS 714 PB Diff additional MIOLs in cataract patients.
• Assessment of uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at far, intermediate, and near distances, along with contrast sensitivity.
• Evaluation of subjective visual quality and surgical handling of the IOLs.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in visual acuity were observed between the refractive and diffractive MIOL groups.
• The diffractive MIOL demonstrated significantly better contrast sensitivity under all tested conditions.
• The refractive MIOL group reported more photic phenomena, though generally mild to moderate, while its unfolding was smoother.

Conclusions:

• Both additional MIOLs provide effective far, intermediate, and near vision, reducing spectacle dependence after cataract surgery.
• The choice between refractive and diffractive MIOLs may depend on patient-specific needs regarding contrast sensitivity and tolerance to photic phenomena.