Comparison of Refractive Outcomes of Multifocal IOL Implantation: Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Versus Standard Manual Phacoemulsification
Purpose
To compare biometry predictability, postoperative binocular distance and near unaided visual acuity and complications rate after femtosecond laser (FSL) assisted and standard phacoemulsification with a multifocal refractive IOL.
Methods
Prospective, non-randomized, comparative, single-surgeon, case series conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Private Patients Unit. The study included 56 patients (112 eyes) who underwent sequential bilateral FSL-assisted phacoemulsification (28 patients) or standard phacoemulsification (28 patients) with a single type of multifocal refractive IOL implantation. Biometry predictability, postoperative binocular unaided distance and near visual acuity and complications rate of the 2 groups (femto group and standard group) were recorded and analysed at final follow-up (1-3 months).
Results
There were no demographic differences in the two groups. Biometry predictability was -0.11±0,45 D in the femto group and -0.15±0.42 D in the standard group (p=0.42). Postoperative binocular unaided distance visual acuity was -0.03±0.69 logMAR in the femto group and -0.03±0.73 logMAR in the standard group (p=0.99). Postoperative binocular near visual acuity was J2 or better in 76% of eyes in femto group and 73% of eyes in the standard group (p=0.99). No intraoperative complications occurred; one patient, belonging to the femto group, experienced Irvine-Gass syndrome that resolved completely in 4 weeks after topical treatment.
Conclusion
Both FSL-assisted phacoemulsification and standard phacoemulsification resulted in similar and comparable refractive and visual outcomes. No statistical significant difference was found in any of the parameters evaluated.