Multifocal IOLs as presbyopia treatment

Implanting a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) into the non-dominant eye is a promising treatment for presbyopic emmetropic patients, according to a study published in the February 2008 issue of Spektrum der Augenheilkunde.

Dr Thomas Neuhann of the Augenklinik am Marienplatz, Munich, Germany evaluated monocular implantation of a multifocal diffractive apodized IOL (SN60D3, AcrySof ReSTOR Natural; Alcon) as a rehabilitative treatment for emmetropic and presbyopic patients (n=24).

Six months after unilateral implantation, all patients were found to have bilateral uncorrected near vision of 20/30; 83% of patients recorded uncorrected distance vision of 20/20. Half of patients remained spectacle-dependent for intermediate vision. A questionnaire determined overall patient satisfaction of 79% for near, intermediate and distance vision. One patient requested IOL implantation in the second eye.

Dr Neuhann concluded that unilateral IOL implantation offers a viable treatment option for sufferers of emmetropia and presbyopia.