Comparison of visual function between phakic eyes and pseudophakic eyes with a monofocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE

To compare all-distance visual acuity and contrast visual acuity with and without glare (glare visual acuity) between phakic eyes with a clear lens and pseudophakic eyes with a monofocal intraocular lens.

SETTING

Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.

METHODS

This study comprised phakic), pseudophakic eyes in 4 age groups (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s). Corrected visual acuity from far to near, contrast visual acuity, and glare visual acuity were examined.

RESULTS

The mean corrected intermediate and near visual acuities were significantly better in phakic eyes than in pseudophakic eyes in patients in their 40s and 50s (P<or=.0215); corrected distance visual acuity was similar. In the 60s and 70s age groups, there was no statistically significant difference in corrected visual acuity at any distance. The region of accommodation at which eyes achieved a corrected visual acuity of 20/29 or 20/40 was greater in phakic eyes than in pseudophakic eyes in the 40s and 50s age groups (P<or=.0302) but was similar in 60s and 70s age groups. In all age groups, there were no significant differences in photopic or mesopic contrast visual acuity or glare visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients in their 40s and 50s, the region of accommodation in phakic eyes was greater than in pseudophakic eyes; the region was similar in patients in their 60s and 70s. Because contrast sensitivity with and without glare was similar at all ages, visual function appeared to be comparable in patients 60 years and older.