Multifocal Intraocular Lense : Visual Function and Quality of life in Thai Patients

Ataya Euswas M.D.
Sukhuma Warrasak M.D.

ABSTRACT : Purpose : To assess the visual outcomes and quality of life in Thai patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were implanted with multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL).
                     Design : Noncomparative consecutive case series.
                     Patients and Methods : 92 eyes of 70 patients who underwent small-incision phacoemulsification with a foldable Zonal-progressive silicone IOL. Twenty-two patients had bilateral implants, 35 had monocular implants, and 13 patients had MIOL implanted in one eye and monofocal IOL in the other eye. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) both at distance and near, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at distance and near, problem in daily life, dependency on eyeglasses and overall satisfaction were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.
                     Results : At one month postoperatively, 73 of 92 eyes (79.35%) attained distant UCVA and 90 of 92 eyes (97.8%) achieved distant BCVA of 20/40 or better. There was no statistically significant difference in distant UCVA throughout the follow up period. For near UCVA, 72 of 92 eyes (78.26%) achieved J3 or better, and 21.74% achieved J4 to J7 at first month postoperatively. Of 13 patients with a monofocal lens in one eye and a multifocal lens in the other, 5 preferred the multifocal IOL, while the other 7 stated no difference and the other preferred monofocal IOL. Thirty-five patients with a multifocal IOL in one eye and 22 patients with bilateral multifocal lens satisfied.
                     Conclusion : Multifocal IOL provides a satisfactory simultaneous distance and near visual acuity rehabilitation with less dependency on eyeglasses and minimal undesirable complaints. Multifocal IOL is another alternative for particular patient with certain career and life style.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2002 ; January-June 16(1) : 47-53.