Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs offer better low contrast visual acuity

A study featured in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery has identified that hydrophobic acrylic IOLs give the best optical quality in pseudophakic eyes.

The comparative case series, led by Dr Mayank A. Nanavaty, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK, involved 28 eyes fitted with hydrophilic IOLs and 43 with hydrophobic IOLs. All eyes had a clear posterior capsule within the central 4 mm and were assessed 3 months postoperatively. Outcome measures included the 10% and 50% point-spread function (PSF) values and in vitro forward-scattering.

There was no considerable difference in IOL power, postoperative spherical equivalent or 100% logMAR correct distance visual acuities (CDVA).

Between the IOL groups the results for 9% logMAR CDVA and 10% PSF, 50% PSF and Zernike polynomial were significantly different. It was found that hydrophilic IOLs had more forward scatter.

Overall, the hydrophobic acrylic IOL produced greater optical quality and better low contrast visual acuity compared to the hydrophilic IOL. The study suggests the material of the IOL should be considered for pseudophakic eyes.