The impact of visual axis position on the optical quality after implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses with different asphericity values

To evaluate the effect of visual axis positioning on the optical performance of the Tecnis MIOL and the Diff-aA MIOL.

In this prospective, randomized comparative study, 70 eyes of 35 subjects with senile cataract were implanted with the spherical aberration-correcting diffractive, bifocal Tecnis ZLB00 IOL and 60 eyes of 30 age-matched subjects with the spherical aberration neutral, diffractive, bifocal Diffractiva IOL. Observation procedure was performed 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures included uncorrected and corrected distance and near visual acuity, manifest refraction, ocular aberrations, and visual quality metrics with 2 mm and 4 mm pupil and the position of visual axis.

At the 6-month visit, no significant difference was found in monocular and binocular uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance and near (UNVA, CNVA) visual acuity between the groups. Spherical and coma-like aberrations were similar measured with a 2-mm pupil, but with a 4-mm pupil, the SA was significantly larger (in negative direction) in the Diffractiva group. The higher-order Strehl ratio and MTF was significantly larger in the Diffractiva group measured at 2 mm entrance pupil; however, this difference disappeared by the 4-mm pupil measurements. Postoperative angle alpha distance had a significant influence on HO Strehl value.

The size of angle alpha is a predictive factor of image quality by multifocal IOL patients.

Trial registration number and date of registration: NCT04274088, 14.02.2020.