PurposeThis study aims to compare the modulation transfer function (MTF) of different intraocular lenses (IOLs) under normal, decentration, and tilt conditions to evaluate their optical performance. DesignExperimental setting. MethodsA total of 12 IOL models (+20 D diopter, n = 3 each) were measured for MTF using the OptiSpheric IOL system with a 3 mm aperture diameter at a water temperature of 35 °C. Measurements were made with a spatial frequency of 0 - 200 lp/mm at the normal, decentration of 0.5 mm, and tilt of 5° positions. ResultsThe MTF values were significantly different between normal and decentration conditions for XY1A (monofocal, toric) (P = 0.03), Tecnis ZCB00V (P = 0.0009), and NS-60YG (P = 0.004). Differences were significant between normal and tilt conditions for MP70 (P = 0.009), XY1 (P = 0.0005), and Clareon (P = 0.049), and were significant between decentration and tilt conditions only for LentisComfort (bifocal) (P = 0.01). With normal condition, MTF of Eyhance DIB00V (extended depth of focus) showed significant differences with 11 other IOLs (P < 0.0001), while LentisComfort exhibited differences with 10 other IOLs (P < 0.0001) except for XY1A (P = 0.0002). Similarly, with decentration condition, Eyhance DIB00V differed significantly from 11 other IOLs (P < 0.0001). With tilt condition, Eyhance DIB00V showed significant differences with 10 other IOLs (P < 0.0001) except for LentisComfort, which itself differed significantly from 10 other IOLs (P < 0.0001). ConclusionsIn the experimental settings, while specialized IOLs can address specific visual issues, monofocal IOLs remain superior in terms of overall contrast transfer quality and resolution even in the implanted IOL position is not ideal. These results provide a basis for recommending the use of monofocal IOLs in cases where the anterior chamber depth and lens position are prone to instability, such as in eyes with weakened zonules or following glaucoma filtering surgery.