Visual performance after bilateral implantation of a new diffractive aspheric multifocal intraocular lens with a 3.5 D addition

Purpose: To evaluate visual performance after implantation of a new diffractive aspheric multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) with a +3.50 D addition power. Methods: A total of 24 cataract patients were bilaterally implanted with the Diffractiva-aA MIOL in 2 ophthalmologic centers and followed for 6 months. Postoperative evaluations included visual acuities (VA) at various distances, defocus testing, contrast sensitivity (CS) measurements, and patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Six months postoperatively, binocular uncorrected VA (mean +/- SD; logMAR) was 0.00 +/- 0.05 (approximate to 20/20) for distance, 0.06 +/- 0.13 (approximate to 20/23) for intermediate (1 m), and 0.00 +/- 0.05 (approximate to 20/20) for near (40 cm). All patients achieved uncorrected VA of 20/25 or better for distance and near, and 20/40 or better at 1 m. Monocular and binocular defocus curves showed 2 peaks of maximum VA at the distance focus (0.0 D) and the near focus (-2.5 D) and a good range of intermediate vision with the lowest mean acuity being at -1.5 D defocus. Photopic and mesopic CS were within the standard normal range. The majority of patients (n = 22; 91.7%) were spectacle independent; 8.3% (n = 2) reported wearing glasses occasionally for very small print (1 patient) or for watching television (1 patient). Overall, all patients were "very satisfied" (n = 22; 91.7%) or "satisfied" (n = 2; 8.3%) with the procedure. Conclusions: The new Diffractiva-aA MIOL provided a full range of vision from near to far generating highly satisfied, spectacle independent patients with only minimal visual disturbances at night.