Straylight effects in diffractive multifocal IOL compared to monofocal IOL

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To measure levels of intraocular straylight following cataract surgery and implantation of either the ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL or the SA60AT monofocal IOL. Methods A newly developed straylight meter was used to objectively measure straylight in a prospective open observational case series at 6 months postoperatively in 66 eyes with the diffractive ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL (Alcon Laboratories) and in a control group of 40 eyes with the monofocal SA60AT IOL. A comparison with straylight levels in an age‐matched population without cataract was performed. Results The straylight levels in the ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL and in the control group with the monofocal SA60AT IOL were 1.20±0.16 logunits and 1.10±0.19 logunits. When the difference in mean level of straylight was adjusted for age by multivariate analysis of the combined pseudophakic groups, mean straylight levels were 0.078 logunits lower for the monofocal SA60AT IOL group as compared to the multifocal ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL group (p=0.026). Straylight levels in both pseudophakic groups were lower than those of the normal age‐matched control group without cataract (p<0.0001). Conclusion Levels of intraocular straylight log(s) were significantly lower (p<0.0001) for both types of IOL as compared to age‐matched subjects from the normal population, with expected reduction of complaints of glare and halos and higher levels of contrast sensitivity.The mean level of intraocular straylight 6 months postoperatively was higher for subjects with a ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL as compared to subjects with a monofocal SA60AT IOL, with expected less gain in contrast sensitivity and less reduction of glare and halo complaints.