Optical-Quality Analysis and Defocus-Curve Simulations of a Novel Hydrophobic Trifocal Intraocular Lens

The optical function of a novel refractive-diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) was tested in vitro to provide preclinical metrics that predict postoperative performance and may guide patient selection.

Fundamental optical characteristics of a trifocal hydrophobic-acrylic IOL with a C-loop haptic configuration (AT ELANA 841P, Carl Zeiss Meditec) were assessed using a fully automated optical test device under both monochromatic and polychromatic conditions combined with increased or compensated spherical aberration (SA). The area under the modulation transfer function (MTFa) was calculated across a defocus range from +1D to -3.5D and used to simulate visual acuity (VA). A polychromatic point spread function (PSF) was employed to assess the light distribution and identify photic phenomena.

The highest MTFa values were obtained under monochromatic conditions using an SA-neutral corneal model. Nevertheless, after introducing SA and polychromatic light, the IOL performance remained good. Simulated VA values were 0.00 logMAR for distance, 0.1 logMAR at 100 cm, and progressively improving to 0.05 logMAR at 40 cm from the intermediate point. The light-spread analysis confirmed halos around the PSF center, which is a characteristic of trifocal technology.

AT ELANA 841P demonstrated good optical performance across various distances, independently of spectral and SA conditions, resulting in good simulated VA. Although light spread resembles standard trifocal IOLs, clinical studies are essential to confirm these laboratory results.