[Long-term results of contrast perception and glare sensitivity in patients with diffraction multifocal lenses]

To test the longterm findings for glare and contrast sensitivity in patients with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses.

Measurements were done using the Mesoptometer II under standardized contrast level and brightness illumination settings (0.032 and 0.1 cd/m2 brightness illumination for testing contrast sensitivity (0.1 cd/m2 brightness illumination and glare of 0.35 Lux for glare testing). Furthermore the patients were tested on their ability to fulfill the requirements of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) for mesopic vision to obtain a driver's license.

40 patients with multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL), aged 59.3 +/- 9.1 years, were examined 2 years after lens implantation (3M 815 LE and 3M 825 XE) and compared to results of a control-group of 40 patients with monofocal IOL's.

There were no significant differences testing contrast sensitivity. Patients with monofocals, however, reached significant better results than patients with multifocals (p < 0.01) when tested for visual acuity under low contrast conditions and glare sensitivity.

Seventy percent of MIOL-patients and 56% of Monofocal-patients failed to meet the minimum requirements for driver's license. Both patient groups showed decreased values for glare and contrast sensitivity when tested 2 years after cataract surgery.