title: Intraindividual comparison of the effect of training on visual performance with ReSTOR and Tecnis diffractive multifocal IOLs.
abstract: Several studies have shown that after multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation visual function improves gradually over a period of several months. To accelerate this learning process, a prospective, intraindividual comparative study was performed to investigate the efficacy of a special visual training program on the postoperative visual performance.
  
  
  
  Sixteen patients with bilateral phacoemulsification and multifocal IOL implantation in both eyes (Alcon ReSTOR [n = 8] and AMO Tecnis ZM900 [n = 81) received computer-based visual training 6 weeks postoperatively based on the concept of perceptual learning of discrimination line orientations. The training was performed over 2 weeks in six sessions in one eye of each patient. The untrained fellow eye served as control. Before and after the training period and at 6 months, orientation visual acuity, distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and near visual acuity for different contrast levels were assessed.
  
  
  
  After 2 weeks of training, the mean improvement of orientation visual acuity in the trained eyes was 82%, which was significantly higher than the control eyes (P < .001). Contrast sensitivity and near vision under different contrast levels showed a significant benefit of training. The superior function of the trained eyes was still present at 6 months.
  
  
  
  Visual performance after multifocal IOL implantation can be significantly accelerated by a specific 2-week training program. This effect is sustained over a 6-month period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Knappschafts Hospital, Sulzbach, Germany.
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kaymak
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fahle
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ott
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mester
mesh_terms: D000065:Accommodation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019591:Pseudophakia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*