[Clinical results of a multifocal pseudophakic additional lens]

In order to meet the patients wish for compensation of presbyopia in a flexible way, even in cases of an already pseudophacic eye, sulcus-fixated additional intraocular lenses (IOL) have been developed as an alternative to multifocal IOLs (MIOL) in the capsular bag. This allows subsequent application of multifocal optics. Furthermore, these additional lenses offer a relatively simple opportunity for postoperative refractive fine tuning or, in cases of incompatibility, a minimally invasive explantation of the multifocal part of the optical system.

The objective of our work was the examination of a diffractive multifocal additional IOL and its functional characteristics.

In a prospective, monocentric trial 32 eyes of 21 patients had cataract surgery with implantation of a monofocal IOL into the capsular bag and simultaneous implantation of a multifocal additional IOL into the sulcus. The visual acuity was tested at different distances 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. At the 3 month follow-up contrast sensitivity and defocus curves were additionally assessed. Patients with bilateral implantation filled in a questionnaire to assess their subjective satisfaction of postoperative visual quality.

All eyes had an uneventful postoperative course. At both follow-ups an uncorrected distance and near visual acuity (VA) of 0.2 LogMAR or better was achieved. In intermediate vision 29 out of 32 eyes after 6 weeks and 31 out of 32 eyes after 3 months reached an uncorrected VA of 0.2 LogMAR or better. The defocus curves showed a typical two-peaked shape. At intermediate distance (-1.5 D of defocus) the median VA was 0.35 LogMAR. Contrast sensitivity testing showed results in the upper region of the standard range of age-matched, healthy patients.

The examined type of diffractive additional IOL achieved good to very good functional results, which are comparable to corresponding IOLs in the capsular bag. Multifocal additional IOLs can be considered as a useful extension of refractive surgical alternatives for the compensation of presbyopia. The possibility to implant the multifocal optic part independently of the primary surgery, the minimal invasivity of the procedure and the likewise time-independent reversibility can be pointed out as special qualities of these IOL.