Visual function after monocular implantation of apodized diffractive multifocal or single-piece monofocal intraocular lens Randomized prospective comparison

PURPOSE: To compare visual function after phacoemulsification with implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) or a monofocal IOL. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China. METHODS: This study comprised patients with unilateral cataract who had phacoemulsification with implantation of an AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 multifocal IOL (multifocal group) or an AcrySof SA60AT single-piece monofocal IOL (monofocal group). Postoperative visual function, including uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity; uncorrected (UNVA), corrected (CNVA), and distance-corrected near visual acuity; and contrast sensitivity were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Patient-reported vision and spectacle independence in the 2 groups were also compared. RESULTS: Of the 161 eyes, 72 were in the multifocal group and 89 were in the monofocal group. The multifocal group had statistically significant better UNVA than the monofocal group from 1 week postoperatively to the final follow-up and statistically significant better CNVA at 6 months (both P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences in UDVA or CDVA between the 2 groups over the 6-month follow-up. The multifocal group had statistically significantly better pseudoac-commodation than the monofocal group; the monofocal group had significantly better contrast sensitivity (both P<.05). Patients with the multifocal IOL reported being more satisfied than those with the monofocal IOL. CONCLUSIONS: The multifocal IOL provided better near visual acuity and more spectacle independence than the monofocal IOL.