Refraction and defocus curves in eyes with monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses

Several clinical techniques have been described to evaluate visual performance and optical quality with intraocular lenses (IOL). However, subjective refraction remains one of the most important methods for assessing post-surgery results, taking decisions about retreatments, advanced spectacle prescription and the refinement of the constant for the formula used in the IOL power calculation. Beyond clinical refraction, defocus curve measurement has been described as a complementary tool for assessing visual performance and taking clinical decisions. However, to date, there are no clinical guidelines or evidence-based protocols published in the scientific literature recommended for pseudophakic patients implanted with either monofocal or multifocal IOLs. This narrative review highlights the importance of clinical refraction in pseudophakic eyes, its utility in the decision of different types of IOL implantation, and describes a clinical refraction protocol for eyes implanted with monofocal and multifocal IOLs.