Implanting a clear intraocular lens in one eye and a yellow lens in the other eye: a case series.

PURPOSE

To describe the color vision disturbance reported by patients in whom a clear intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in one eye and a yellow-tinted (blue-light-absorbing) IOL in the other eye.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Data recorded included demographic information, dates of surgery, IOL model and power (manufacturer is the same for all lenses), best-corrected visual acuity, and subjective visual complaints.

RESULTS

Four of five patients had no spontaneous color vision complaints. When these patients were informed of the unintended mismatch, all remarked that they could perceive a color vision difference, but that it was not bothersome. One of the five patients reported "beige" vision. None of the patients wanted an IOL exchange.

CONCLUSION

Many patients can tolerate the color vision imbalance that results when a clear IOL is implanted in one eye and a yellow-tinted IOL is implanted in the other eye.