Comparison of bifocal and trifocal diffractive and refractive intraocular lenses using an optical bench.

PURPOSE: To assess the differences in optical performance of 9 multifocal IOLs using the same optical bench and to propose a possible comparison for surgeons.
SETTING: Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France.
DESIGN: Experimental study.
METHODS: Nine IOLs (Acrysof Restor +3.0 diopter [D] SN6AD1, Acrysof Restor +4.0 D SN60D3, Acrysof aspheric monofocal SN60WF, Acri.Lisa 366D, Finevision Micro F, Tecnis ZM900, and Rezoom, Diffractiva Diff-s, and Lentis Mplus +3.0 D) were tested using the same optical bench that complies with International Organization for Standardization standard 11979 requirements. The through-focus modulation transfer functions (MTFs) were compared, and the image of the United States Air Force (USAF) target was taken while each IOL was at far, intermediate, and near focal points.
RESULTS: The through-focus MTF of the trifocal IOL showed a peak in the intermediate range that was not present with monofocal and bifocal IOLs. The USAF target images showed similar resolution with all IOLs for far focal points. Diffractive IOLs showed better resolution for near focal points, and the only sharp image in the intermediate range was obtained using the trifocal IOL.
CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the degree of near, intermediate, and distance quality of the image with the various types of multifocal IOLs in vitro. Intermediate vision was more prominent with the trifocal IOL. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Gatinel has a proprietary interest in the optical frame used (Patent WO2011092169 [A1] 2011-08-04). Dr. Houbrechts has no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.