Presbyopic laser vision correction reduces spectacle dependence in pseudophakes

San Francisco-Creation of a multifocal corneal is a safe and effective option for reducing spectacle dependence in eyes with pseudophakia implanted with a monofocal IOL, according to Gustavo Tamayo, MD, of Bogota Laser Refractive Institute, Bogota, Colombia.

Dr. Tamayo presented results from 22 eyes that underwent LASIK (four eyes) or LASEK with mitomycin C (18 eyes) using a wavefront-guided, multifocal procedure (CustomVue, Abbott Medical Optics) to correct residual refractive error and create a peripheral high-dioptric power zone for near vision.

Eligible patients underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification at least 6 months earlier, had best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20, and a normal macular appearance. Nine eyes had hyperopic astigmatism, six eyes had myopic astigmatism, and seven had mixed astigmatism. All patients wore glasses for reading, 17 wore glasses for distance, and four wore contact lens correction.

All eyes experienced an improvement in near and distance uncorrected visual acuity and a significant reduction in dependence on spectacles occurred. Safety was favorable with no eyes losing distance BCVA, and halos and other visual symptoms only slightly increased after surgery. Patient satisfaction was very high, Dr. Tamayo said.

"Now, pseudophakic patients with a monofocal IOL implanted may be offered another option to receive the benefit of multifocality as is provided by premium IOLs," he concluded. "Placing multifocality on the cornea is safe and effectively reduces dependence on glasses."