Visual function in pseudophakic eyes with poly(methyl methacrylate), silicone, and acrylic intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of visual function after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with three lens materials.


METHODS
Klinik Dardenne, Bonn Bad Godesberg, Germany.


METHODS
In a prospective, randomized study, 55 patients having uncomplicated phacoemulsification received IOLs made of three materials: 16 received acrylic IOLs, 20 received silicone IOLs, and 19 received poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOLs. Pseudophakic patients with accompanying eye diseases were excluded. Visual acuity, glare sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, and mesopic acuity were evaluated 6 weeks postoperatively.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity was excellent in all three lens groups. Acuity under bright light conditions and contrast sensitivity were low in all groups; mesopic acuity was extremely low in 73% of patients. Glare and contrast sensitivity were significantly better with PMMA and acrylic IOLs.


CONCLUSIONS
The visual quality achieved in pseudophakic eyes with three different lens materials was lower than expected. The results of individual visual function tests were better for PMMA and acrylic IOLs than for silicone IOLs.
Kohnen
S
S
Klinik Dardenne, Bonn, Germany.
Ferrer
A
A
Brauweiler
P
P
D000179:Acrylates; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*
D000179:Acrylates; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D012826:Silicone Elastomers