Blue Light–Filter Intraocular Lenses in Vitrectomy Combined with Cataract Surgery: Results of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of the blue light-filter intraocular lenses (IOLs) in vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery, focusing on the surgeon's ability to perform specific vitreoretinal procedures and on the patients' outcome. Randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients, recruited from our outpatient department, were assigned randomly to receive an ultraviolet-filter IOL (clear IOL group) or a blue light-filter IOL (yellow IOL group) combined with a vitreoretinal procedure. Main outcome measures were intraoperative conditions for the surgeon and the functional outcome. Second outcome measures were complication rates and vitreoretinal diagnoses. The questionnaire responses showed that the blue light-filter IOLs did not represent an impediment to vitreoretinal surgery (P>.05). No intraoperative complications were encountered in either group. Patients in both IOL groups showed comparable functional results with respect to visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and glare effect (P>.05). The functional outcome was influenced significantly by the vitreoretinal diagnosis (P<.01). With the possible advantage of macular protection and no intraoperative or functional disadvantage, the routine use of the blue light-filter IOL in combined surgery can be recommended.