Visual And Refractive Outcomes Following The Implantation Of A Trifocal Presbyopia-Correcting Iol Based On Elevated Phase Shift Technology

To test the refractive and visual outcomes following the implantation of the Liberty® 677MY presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (Medicontur Ltd, Zsámbék, Hungary) in cataract patients. With the growth of people’s demand for high living standards, the interest in achieving long-term visual comfort and spectacle independence has increased. During the past few years, several multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been introduced to the market. Nevertheless, not all trifocal lenses are able to provide complete spectacle independence. The patented elevated phase shift technology of the Liberty IOL family is reported to ensure good visual acuity along a wide range of defocus, and to provide good visual functions at multiple distances.

Tyger Valley Eye & Laser Centre, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa

In this prospective study including 46 eyes of 23 cataract patients, bilateral implantation of the hydrophilic trifocal capsular bag IOL was performed during routine cataract surgery. The majority of the patients (93.5%) had a preoperative corneal astigmatism of not more than, 1.0 dioptres. Refractive outcomes, uncorrected and corrected distance (UDVA, CDVA), furthermore intermediate and near visual acuities (UIVA, UNVA) measured at 40, 50 and 60 cm were assessed 12 months postoperatively. Visual and contrast sensitivity defocus curves were plotted using the Multifocal Lens Analyzer 3.0 application (Qvision, Madrid, Spain). Patient satisfaction, visual functions and spectacle use were evaluated six months following surgery.

No complications occurred during the follow-up period. Ninety-two percent of the eyes resulted within 0.5 dioptres from the target refraction, emmetropia. All eyes were within 1.0 dioptres from the target refraction. The average postoperative UDVA was 0.03 ± 0.06 (mean ± SD; logMAR), while CDVA was 0.02 ± 0.05. Ninety-five percent of the operated eyes could achieve an UDVA of at least 20/25. The mean UNVA at 40 cm was 0.14 ± 0.13, and 65% of the eyes could achieve an UNVA of at least 20/25. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity defocus curves proved good visual outcomes through a wide defocus range. All patients were highly satisfied, their daily visual tasks could be performed without, or only with minor difficulties.

Our findings suggest that the Liberty 677MY IOL is a safe and efficient option for the treatment of cataract and presbyopia. The IOL-position was maintained during the first postoperative year. The refractive outcomes are accurate and predictable, vision correction is efficient in a wide defocus range. Contrast sensitivity defocus curves confirm good visual quality. All our patients were highly satisfied with the clinical outcomes, and would recommend the surgery to somebody else.