Visual function and spectacle independence after cataract surgery: bilateral diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses versus monovision pseudophakia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare patient-reported visual function, spectacle independence, and quality of life before and after cataract surgery with bilateral diffractive multifocal or monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health System, Taylor Branch, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.
METHODS: This study evaluated consecutive cataract patients having bilateral implantation of Acrysof Restor SN60D3 multifocal IOLs or monofocal Acrysof SN60WF IOLs, the latter as monovision, between July 2007 and June 2009. Parameters analyzed 3 months postoperatively included binocular uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities; stereo vision; spectacle independence; subjective visual symptoms; and patient satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative quality of life was assessed with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI VFQ-25).
RESULTS: The multifocal group comprised 21 patients and the monovision group, 22 patients. Binocular uncorrected visual acuity at distance and near at 3 months was significantly better than preoperatively in both groups. In both groups, there was an improvement in all ocular and visual-related NEI VFQ-25 responses postoperatively.
CONCLUSION: Bilateral multifocal IOLs and conventional monofocal IOL pseudophakic monovision significantly improved spectacle independence and visual quality-of-life measures.