Functional outcomes after implantation of Tecnis ZM900 and Array SA40 multifocal intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional outcome after implantation of the Tecnis ZM900 multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (AMO) and the Array SA40 multifocal IOL (AMO). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Bundesknappschaft s Hospital, Sulzbach, and the Department of Ophthalmology, Marienhospital, Aachen, Germany. METHODS: In a prospective comparative 2-center trial, Tecnis ZM900 and the Array SA40 multifocal IOLs were bilaterally implanted in 50 patients (50 eyes Tecnis, 50 eyes Array) by 1 surgeon at each center. The following parameters were assessed 30 to 60 days and 120 to 180 days after surgery in both eyes: refraction, pupil size, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities for distance and near at different contrast levels, and photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies. Patient satisfaction (spectacle independence, photic phenomena, overall satisfaction) was assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: The main differences between the 2 multifocal IOLs were the better uncorrected near visual acuity (P<.001), distance-corrected near visual acuity (P<.001), the mesopic contrast sensitivity at high spatial frequencies (P<.05) as well as greater independence from spectacles in patients with the Tecnis multifocal IOL, resulting in higher levels of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The aspherical diffractive Tecnis multifocal IOL gave better outcomes than the Array multifocal IOL.