Visual Performance And Patient Satisfaction With Acunex® Vario And Variomax Intraocular Lenses, Including Mixed Implantation Strategies

To evaluate short-term binocular uncorrected distance (UDVA) and near visual acuity at 40 cm (UNVA) in Argentine patients implanted with segmented refractive Acunex Vario IOL (+1.50 D addition for extended depth of focus) or VarioMax (+3.00 D addition for enhanced near), using bilateral implantation or mix-and-match with spherical monofocal Clareon IOL (blue-light filter). Efficacy for spectacle independence at distance and functional reading (smartphone/intermediate) was assessed, providing preliminary real-world evidence of these IOLs' optical performance in routine cataract/refractive surgery

Retrospective analysis at single high-volume private ophthalmology center, Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina. Phacoemulsification with 2.2-2.4 mm incision by one surgeon (T.J.), targeting emmetropia, September 2024–January 2026. Standardized postoperative regimen and ≥30-day follow-up visual assessments.

Consecutive adult patients with uneventful phacoemulsification and Acunex Vario/VarioMax implantation (bilateral/mix-and-match Clareon) included if complete UDVA/UNVA data available at ≥30 days. Exclusion: complications, irregular corneas, prior refractive/corneal surgery, macular disease. UDVA measured decimal (converted logMAR = -log₁₀(decimal)); UNVA at 40 cm via logarithmic charts. Identical photopic conditions (>250 lux), phoropters, displays/charts used throughout. Binocular prioritized; monocular complementary. Descriptive statistics: mean±SD, percentages. No inferential testing (series design)

37 patients (mean age 69.9 years; 66 eyes; preoperative K flat 43.19±1.2 D, steep 43.77±1.1 D). 52 eyes complete data. Postoperative binocular UDVA: -0.02±0.06 logMAR (1.05 decimal equivalent; 100% ≤0.10 logMAR/≥20/25). Binocular UNVA 40 cm: 0.22±0.08 logMAR (96.2% ≤0.30 logMAR). IOL distribution: Acunex Vario 37 eyes (71.2%), VarioMax 13 eyes (25.0%), Clareon 2 eyes (3.8%, both in mix-and-match with VarioMax/Vario in fellow eye; 2 patients). Bilateral Vario: excellent balanced performance; mix-and-match maintained UDVA/near function. High emmetropia predictability; no vision complications. Monocular confirmed summation

Acunex Vario (+1.50 D)/VarioMax (+3.00 D) segmented IOLs excelled in binocular UDVA (-0.02 logMAR, 100% ≥20/25) and functional UNVA 40 cm (0.22 logMAR, 96% ≤0.30), enabling spectacle independence for distance/reading. Bilateral use balanced ranges; Clareon mix-and-match customized near without distance loss—ideal for patient-tailored presbyopia correction. Results validate segmented refractive design versus traditional multifocals, minimizing dysphotopsia risk. Supports adoption in cataract/refractive surgery; prospective trials needed for contrast sensitivity, dysphotopsia quantification, and 12-month stability