New multifocal IOL designs offer better solutions at all distances

Issue: June 2013

PARIS — Compared with previous models, more recent multifocal implants have refined the refractive transition from the center to the periphery, providing satisfactory intermediate vision.

"IOLs like the Oculentis Lentis Mplus, the Zeiss At Lisa trifocal and bifocal, and the PhysIOL FineVision belong to this new generation. They provide useful vision for the many people who work with computers nowadays," Michael Assouline, MD, said at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology.

Michael Assouline

Medicontur recently developed a new bifocal, apodized, diffractive model, the 677 MY, which is proving "as good if not superior to the newest bifocal lenses for near and far vision and nearly as good as trifocal lenses for intermediate," he said.

This lens is made of hydrophilic material and has a refined design to prevent posterior capsule opacification. The "natural yellow" filter is calibrated to "filter as much as necessary, preserving as much as possible," he said.

"It protects the macula between 390 nm and 460 nm, excluding the most dangerous blue radiations, but preserves scotopic vision beyond 460 nm," Assouline explained.

In combination with the Lentis Mplus, it provides an optimal mix-and-match solution, with a good defocus curve.

Assouline said that the choice of lenses for presbyopia correction is wide and refined.

Surgeons can choose between different designs and different principles, including "interocular rivalry," ie, monovision, and "intraocular rivalry," ie, multifocality.

"The best approach must be discussed with individual patients. Basically, monovision is better when dealing with myopia, small photopic pupils, anisometropia, astigmatism and a macula that is not perfectly healthy. Multifocality is better indicated in hyperopic or emmetropic patients, with large pupils and a perfect macula," Assouline said.

Disclosure: Assouline has no relevant financial disclosures.