The recently FDA-approved Tecnis Multifocal IOL (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA) provides impressive visual outcomes and receives high marks from presbyopia patients, according to clinical trials of the new presbyopia-correcting lens implant.
Tecnis Multifocal IOL: Study design and methods
In a one-year multi-center study, the safety and effectiveness of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL was compared to that of a conventional monofocal IOL also produced by Abbott Medical Optics (AMO).
In the study, 125 patients had the multifocal IOL implanted in both eyes and 125 patients had bilateral implantation of the monofocal IOL, based on the patients’ preference. The study was later expanded to include an additional 225 patients who received bilateral implantation of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL.
One-year results
In a recent issue of EyeWorld, surgeon and researcher Farrell Tyson, MD, reported the one-year results of 118 patients receiving the Tecnis Multifocal IOL and 116 patients receiving the monofocal IOL.
An analysis of the data for these patients revealed:
- Mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) for distance vision for the two groups was essentially the same.
- Mean UCVA for near vision was significantly better (four to five lines smaller on a near vision test card) for the group receiving the Tecnis Multifocal IOL compared to the UCVA of patients receiving the conventional monofocal IOL.
- 84 percent of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL patients attained simultaneous binocular UCVA of 20/25 in the distance and 20/32 at near, compared to only 6 percent of the monofocal IOL patients.
- Although the Tecnis Multifocal IOL patients had lower mean contrast sensitivity scores than the monofocal IOL patients, the difference was not considered clinically significant.
- Halos and glare around street lights and headlights were more common among Tecnis Multifocal IOL patients, but reading vision and speed were significantly better.
- 85 percent of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL patients reported having no need for eyeglasses after surgery, compared to only 5 percent of patients receiving the monofocal IOL.
- 96 percent of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL patients said they functioned comfortably at near without glasses, compared to 30 percent of the monofocal IOL group.
Tecnis Multifocal IOL study: Conclusions
The Tecnis Multifocal IOL enables patients to see significantly better at near after cataract surgery without causing a significant loss of distance vision, concluded Dr. Tyson.
Although the Tecnis Multifocal IOL caused some glare and halos at night, patient satisfaction scores were very high, presumable due to the improved reading ability, reduced need for eyeglasses and large range of functional vision the lens provides.
Based on the one-year results of the study and his surgical experience with the Tecnis Multifocal IOL, Dr. Tyson is convinced bilateral implantation of the new multifocal IOL is the best surgical option for patients who desire the greatest freedom from eyeglasses after cataract surgery.
SOURCE: Clinical study outcomes of the Tecnis Multifocal. EyeWorld. May 2009. (Supplement: Premium Clinical Options for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics.)
Tags: Corneal Implants