Three lenses go head-to-head

The implantation of multifocal and accommodative intraocular lenses (IOLs) can offer adequate near and far vision in addition to high levels of patient satisfaction, according to Georgio Marchini and colleagues from the University of Verona, Italy.

The researchers enrolled 120 eyes (60 patients) to undergo bilateral phacoemulsification and split the patients into three groups of 40 eyes. Group 1 received the diffractive ReSTOR (Alcon), Group 2 received the refractive ReZoom (AMO) and Group 3 received the accommodative Crystalens AT-45 (Eyeonics).

The results demonstrated that there were no statistical differences in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) and best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) among the three groups. Those in the ReStor group did, however, achieve better uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) and best distance corrected near visual acuity (BDCNVA). Bigger accommodative amplitude and better contrast sensitivity, with and without glare, was noted in the Crystalens group.

It was concluded that, although each lens provides adequate visual acuity, the ReStor lens performs best in near vision, the Crystalens and ReZoom offer more useful accommodative amplitude and the Crystalens also offers better contrast sensitivity.