Assessment of whether visual outcomes with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses vary with patient age.

PURPOSE

To assess whether corrected visual acuity after implantation of diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) varies with patient age.

SETTING

Tokyo Dental College, Suidobashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Eyes receiving a diffractive multifocal IOL after cataract extraction were divided into 5 age decades: 30s (30 to 39 years), 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Corrected distance (CDVA), distance-corrected near (DCNVA), and corrected near (CNVA) visual acuities 1 month postoperatively were compared between the age decades. Contrast sensitivity was evaluated at 3 months. Eyes with a monofocal IOL served as controls.

RESULTS

The mean CDVA was significantly better in the 30s and 50s than in the 60s and 70s (P<.033). There was significant decline in DCNVA in the 60s and 70s compared with the 30s (P<.03). The CNVA was better in the 30s than in the 50s, 60s, and 70s (P<.003), better in the 40s than in the 60s and 70s (P<.008), and better in the 50s than in the 70s (P=.001). No change in CDVA was found with the monofocal IOL. Contrast sensitivity was significantly higher in the 30s than in the 60s and 70s at 6 cycles per degree (cpd) (P<.025) and in the 50s to 70s at 18 cpd (P<.027).

CONCLUSION

Corrected visual acuities and contrast sensitivity were worse in older patients than in younger patients. Visual acuities with the monofocal IOL were not associated with patient age.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Dr. Bissen-Miyajima has received lecture fees from Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. Neither of the other authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.