Tinted IOL demonstrates no significant changes in contrast and sensitivity

Using an ultraviolet (UV) and blue-light filtering IOL presents no significant changes in scotopic and photopic contrast sensitivity, and colour perception, according to a study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

A prospective, randomized clinical study led by Dr Marcony R. Santhiago, Ophthalmology Department, University of São Paulo, Brazil, consisted of 60 eyes of 30 patients with bilateral visually significant cataract.

Each patient was fitted with a UV and blue-light filtering IOL in one eye (Acrysof Natural SN60AT) and a UV-only IOL (Acrysof SA60AT) in the fellow eye. The primary outcome measures included scotopic and photopic contrast sensitivity, colour vision and macular findings. All measurements were taken 5 years postoperatively.

The results demonstrated no significant optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings with regards to age-related macular degeneration. Also, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of photopic and scotopic contrast sensitivity.

Additional studies are required to identify the potential advantages of using tinted IOLs for the protection of macular cells.