Aspheric multifocal IOL delivers vision over all distances, high patient satisfaction

SAN FRANCISCO — Phase 3 clinical trial data show that a diffractive spherical multifocal IOL delivers superior vision over a spherical monofocal IOL, with high patient satisfaction and comparable contrast sensitivity.

In the trial of the Tecnis ZM 900 multifocal IOL from Abbott Medical Optics, 88% of patients reported no glasses use after 1 year, 95% were spectacle independent for distance vision and 93% were for near vision. As well, 94.6% of patients who received the multifocal model said they would opt for the lens again if given the choice.

"You can't please all the patients, but you can really come close with this lens," Mark Packer, MD, said here at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.

Contrast sensitivity between the two lenses was similar between the two lenses, despite reports of halo and glare in some patients in the multifocal group. However, "dysphotopsia does not correlate to diminished contrast sensitivity," Dr. Packer said, adding that tests for contrast sensitivity cannot simulate halo and glare.

Although vision was superior in the multifocal group, results were most pronounced at one year.

"Neuroadaptation is absolutely real and patients perform better at 1 year," Dr. Packer said. "It is important to counsel patients when they are choosing a multifocal or accommodating lens that they will continue to see improvement in the vision for one year."