Clinical outcomes and functional visual performance: Comparison of the ReSTOR apodised diffractive intraocular lens to a monofocal control

Aims: To compare clinical outcomes of patients bilaterally implanted with SN60D3 intraocular lenses (IOLs) with outcomes of bilateral monofocal controls, and to determine the validity of implanting an apodised diffractive lens in a healthy patient population. Methods: Six unmasked US investigators prospectively enrolled 72 patients aged ≤ 70 years with bilateral cataracts in otherwise healthy eyes. Patients underwent routine cataract extraction via phacoemulsification with SN60D3 implantation. Visual outcomes were assessed 1 week, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Patients completed two subjective surveys. As controls, 51 patients who were 6 months postoperative to bilateral implantation of AcrySof monofocal IOLs also were assessed. Results: Corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity was similar across groups. For uncorrected near and intermediate visual acuity, statistically significant differences were found favouring the SN60D3 group (p<0.0001). Contrast sensitivity was significantly better in monofocal patients at 6 cpd and 18 cpd under various lighting conditions. The Functional Evaluation and the Questionnaire demonstrated that SN60D3 patients achieved significantly higher levels of functional vision and spectacle freedom (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Despite mildly decreased contrast sensitivity when compared with a monofocal IOL, the SN60D3 provided high patient satisfaction, excellent functional vision, and high rates of spectacle freedom.