Visual performance and biocompatibility of 2 multifocal diffractive IOLs: six-month comparative study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the distance and near functional capacity, wavefront error and biocompatibility in patients with 2 diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs). SETTING Ophthalmology Department of Chieti-Pescara University (Italy). METHODS This prospective study comprised 28 eyes of 28 senile cataract patients having phacoemulsification and implantation of the Tecnis ZM900 MIOL (Group 1) and the AcrySof ReSTOR MIOL (Group 2). The main outcome measures, over a 6-month follow-up period, were spherical equivalent, distance visual acuity at high and low contrast, near visual acuity, and defocus curve. Wavefront error was evaluated in both groups. Capsule opacification was also assessed. RESULTS The high and low contrast uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity for distance did not show statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The distance corrected near visual acuity was 1.86 +/- 1.66 in Group 1 and 1.93 +/- 1.12 in Group 2. The depth of focus was 4.5 diopters in both groups. The root mean square of total aberration and of spherical and coma aberrations were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. A higher percentage of patients with Tecnis MIOLs showed a more severe grade of anterior fibrosis. Posterior opacification was minimal and not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Diffractive MIOLs were effective in improving functional capacity for distance and near and provided a good quality of vision due to a significant reduction in spherical aberration, particularly in the Tecnis MIOLs. The higher capsular biocompatibility of the ReSTOR MIOL compared with the Tecnis MIOL could ensure long-term stability.