Modulation transfer function and pupil size in multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between pupil size and the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in vitro and to predict the visual effects in vivo.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato, Japan.


METHODS
A refractive multifocal IOL (Array SA-40N, Allergan) and a monofocal IOL (PhacoFlex SI-40NB, AMO) were evaluated using the OPAL Vector system and a model eye with a variable effective aperture. With effective pupil diameters of 2.1, 3.0, 3.4, 3.9, 4.6, 5.1, and 5.5 mm, the in-focus and defocus MTFs were measured in the multifocal and monofocal IOLs.


RESULTS
With increases in effective pupil diameter, the far MTF progressively decreased at all spatial frequencies. In contrast, the near MTF began to increase at effective pupil diameter 2.1 mm, showed a peak at 3.4 mm, and decreased at diameters greater than 3.4 mm. The ratio of near MTF to far MTF showed an increase with larger effective pupil diameters and at lower spatial frequencies.


CONCLUSIONS
With a zonal progressive multifocal IOL, the pupil size effected a trade-off between the far and near MTFs: The near MTF increased at the expense of the far MTF at large pupil sizes (effective pupil diameter >3.4 mm). To enhance near vision with a multifocal IOL, the desirable effective pupil diameter should be 3.4 mm or larger.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Sagamihara, Japan.
Takushi
T
Kawamorita
Hiroshi
H
Uozato
D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011680:Pupil / Q000502:physiology*