P 571
Extended indications for implantation of the array multifocal intraocular lens: first clinical results
S. Gross, H. B. Dick, N. Pfeiffer
The results of refractive surgery in eyes with high ametropia are not satisfactory. Therefore we evaluated whether the implantation of the multifocal intraocular lens (Array SA-40N, Allergan) achieves better results or not.
Patients and Methods: We implanted the Array multifocal intraocular lens in 23 eyes of 12 patients (10 with cataract; 13 with clear lenses). Pre- and postoperatively, the visual acuity for nearness and distance were evaluated with best correction and without correction. Other variables assessed included intra- and postoperative complications, deviation from target refraction and subjective patient satisfaction (questionnaire).
Results: The visual acuity for nearness improved in all eyes with best correction as well as without correction. Postoperatively the median of the visual acuity for nearness was Birkhaeuser 4 without correction and 1 with best correction. The preoperative bestcorrected visual acuity for the distance of eyes with cataract was 0.4 and for eyes with clear lenses 0.5. Postoperatively the median of the visual acuity without correction was 0.7 in the cataract group and 0.5 in eyes after clear lens extraction (CLE). With adequate correction the visual acuity increased 1-2 lines. All eyes of the cataract group and 77% of the eyes after CLE recognized light phenomena, but approximately 80% were not disturbed. Patient satisfaction was extremely high and no patient regretted his decision.
Conclusion: Both the high level of patient satisfaction and refractive predictability suggest that implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses is a useful new refractive procedure to correct high ametropia in cataract patients and eyes with clear lenses. Longer follow-ups of more patients are needed to fully assess the benefits and risks of this new option.
Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany