A clinical study to assess feasibility, acceptance, and outcome of multifocal intraocular lens in patients with bilateral immature cataract at a tertiary eye care institute

PURPOSE: To assess feasibility, acceptability, and outcome of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) in patients with bilateral immature cataract. METHODS: 1691 patients with bilateral immature cataract were included in the study. The feasibility of these IOLs was calculated by studying ocular parameters using Visionix VX120 and subjective characteristics. A prospective study was then conducted in 148 eyes of 74 patients in which multifocal IOLs were implanted. Their visual outcome was assessed using LogMAR for distance and Snellen's chart for near vision, contrast sensitivity by Pelli-Robson chart, and satisfaction using visual function-7 questionnaire. RESULTS: Considering ocular and subjective characteristics, it was feasible to implant the lens in 920 patients (54.40%) and the acceptability rate was 8.04%, most common reason for decreased acceptability was cost (85%) of IOL. The median distance uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at day 7 and at 30 days was LogMAR 0.2 (0.1–0.3) and 0.15 (0.1–0.2), respectively, which was statistically significant compared to preoperative distance UCVA (P < 0.001). The median near UCVA at day 7 and 30 days was N6 for both and statistically significant (P < 0.001) compared to preoperative near UCVA. 77.02% patients had distance UCVA of LogMAR (0.0–0.2) and 91.8% had near UCVA of N6–N8 at 30 days. The contrast sensitivity was decreased in all patients. CONCLUSION: Appropriately selected patients can achieve spectacle independence and good visual satisfaction which begins with proper patient education, lifestyle and personality dynamics, and individualized weighing of benefits and side effects of multifocal IOLs.