Comparing multifocal, accommodating IOLs

New Orleans-Outcomes for three presbyopia-correcting IOLs-one accommodating and two multifocals-were similar, said Robert Edward Ang, MD.

“In terms of binocular high-contrast, uncorrected distance visual acuity, there was no statistical difference in distance vision among the three lenses,” said Dr. Ang, of Makati, Philippines.

Refractive outcomes were also stable in all lenses, as long as the capsule was taken care of, he added. 

At 1 year, his prospective, randomized study compared 71 patients with a mean age of 65 years implanted bilaterally either with an accommodating IOL (Crystalens, Bausch + Lomb) or one of two multifocal IOLs (ReSTOR, Alcon Laboratories; or Tecnis Multifocal, Abbott Medical Optics).

For uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, his study showed the Crystalens outcomes were superior. For uncorrected near visual acuity, his study recorded better results with the multifocals, especially the ReSTOR.

In terms of distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity, patients in the study had the best outcomes with Crystalens. With distance-corrected near visual acuity, the multifocals showed better outcomes. 

Dr. Ang also tracked reports of halos and starbursting, both of which were less with Crystalens, but YAG rates were higher with this IOL. The lowest YAG rates were with the Tecnis.

Results for binocular mean visual acuities in the 3 groups: Crystalens, ReSTOR, and Tecnis, respectively.

• Uncorrected distance visual acuity:                     20/20, 20/20, 20/21

• Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity:               20/20, 20/24, 20/26

• Uncorrected near visual acuity visual acuity:       20/25, 20/20, 20/23

• Distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity:     20/20, 20/24, 20/25

• Distance-corrected near visual acuity:                 20/26, 20/19, 20/21

For more articles in this issue of Ophthalmology Times Conference Brief click here.