Violet light-transmitting intraocular lens increases choroidal thickness: 1-year prospective, randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optometry

Background:

• Cataract surgery involves intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
• IOLs differ in their light transmission properties, including violet light (VL).
• The impact of VL-transmitting IOLs on ocular parameters requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in ocular parameters after cataract surgery using VL-transmitting versus VL-non-transmitting IOLs.
• To investigate factors associated with changes in choroidal thickness (CT).

Main Methods:

• 402 patients were randomized to receive either a VL-non-transmitting or VL-transmitting IOL.
• Ocular parameters, including CT, were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.
• Stepwise multiple regression analysis examined associations between CT changes and various factors.

Main Results:

• VL-transmitting IOLs showed a mean CT increase of 3.48±16.46 µm from 3 to 12 months postoperatively (p=0.012).
• Choroidal thickening was significantly associated with female sex, VL-transmitting IOL implantation, and increased outdoor exposure.
• Baseline characteristics varied between groups, with different mean spherical equivalents, axial lengths, and CTs.

Conclusions:

• Choroidal thickening after cataract surgery is linked to VL-transmitting IOLs and increased outdoor VL exposure.
• Limitations include a short follow-up and lack of assessment for postoperative lifestyle, VL exposure, or peripheral defocus.