Long-term visual results of bifocal intraocular lens implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term visual results and variability in contrast sensitivity in patients with heparin-surface-modified (HSM) diffractive bifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).


METHODS
Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Italy.


METHODS
In this prospective study, visual acuity (distance and near) and contrast sensitivity were measured in 35 patients who had phacoemulsification with bifocal diffractive IOL (model 811E, Pharmacia) implantation. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated using a questionnaire. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 18 to 24 months).


RESULTS
At the last examination, mean distance visual acuity was 0.79 +/- 0.2 (SD) without correction and 1.0 +/- 0.15 with best correction. Mean uncorrected near visual acuity was J1.6 +/- J0.77 and with best distance correction, J1.19 +/- J0.49. No statistically significant changes in visual acuity were evident at the last follow-up (Student t test). No changes were found in contrast sensitivity reduction over time, nor were late postoperative complications noted. Overall patient satisfaction was rated as good by 94.3% of patients with best distance correction.


CONCLUSIONS
The diffractive bifocal HSM IOL provided good visual performance for distance and near over time. In relation to the low rate of postoperative complications, the slight contrast sensitivity reduction was stable during follow-up.
Avitabile
T
T
Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Italy.
Marano
F
F
Canino
E G
EG
Biondi
S
S
Reibaldi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible