Due to the development of premium IOLs and improvements in calculation formulas, modern cataract surgery—or, as some refer to it, refractive cataract surgery—has made postoperative spectacle independence possible. Particularly in the field of refractive lens exchange, the demand for individualized procedures is great. This article reviews the available premium IOLs, which comprise aspheric, toric, multifocal, and accommodating lenses. Recently, supplementary, or add-on, IOLs were introduced as a new lens in this category. Implanted in the sulcus of a pseudophakic eye, add-on IOLs can correct residual refractive errors including astigmatism and presbyopia.
ACCOMMODATING AND MULTIFOCAL IOLS
Presbyopia correction is possible with multifocal and
accommodating IOLs.1-3 Commercially available accommodating
IOLs have special haptics and designs to induce lens
movement with ciliary muscle contraction or relaxation
using the optic-shift principle. New developments have
overcome the technology's earlier insufficient near addition,
with the advantage of reduced photic phenomena compared
with multifocal IOLs. A dual-optic IOL (Synchrony;
Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Santa Ana, California; Figure 1)
needs less optic movement to induce near addition compared
with a single-optic IOL. Functional results with this
lens have been satisfying and predictable. The Crystalens
HD IOL (Bausch + Lomb, Rochester, New York) has
achieved a high volume of implantation, especially in the
United States; however, its working principle is controversial.
Multifocal IOLs developed after the 1980s are rotationally symmetric and based on the principles of diffraction, refraction, or a combination of these principles. Diffractive multifocal IOLs distribute incoming light rays to two principal foci for near and distance vision. Diffractive designs are pupil independent. Refractive multifocal IOLs incorporate different refractive zones that create several pupil-dependent foci. Vision at intermediate distances is better with refractive designs; however, the patient's ability to read small print size at 30 to 40 cm can be limited. Recent developments in multifocal designs, such as foldable, multizonal, progressive, refractive multifocal or aspheric diffractive multifocal IOL models minimize decentration, loss of contrast sensitivity, and glare and halos when combined with today's improved surgical techniques.
Some modern multifocal IOL models combine both optical principles. For instance, the AcrySof IQ Restor (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas) has an apodized diffractive/ refractive optic design and is available with a 4.00 D near addition or the recently introduced 3.00 D near addition. The AT.LISA (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) is available in three designs and consists of a refractive-diffractive optic surface profile with a 3.75 D near addition.
MIX AND MATCH
Mix and match, or custom match, enhances the strengths
and reduces the weaknesses of two multifocal technologies
implanted in the same patient. By combining the optical
principles of two different lens models, visual acuity is optimized
for all distances. A prerequisite is that the distantdominant
eye is determined before surgery. Some surgeons
find benefit in custom-matching a refractive and a diffractive
design, such as the ReZoom and Tecnis (both by
Abbott Medical Optics Inc.), or implanting the 3.00 and
4.00 D near additions of the same multifocal IOL, such as
the AcrySof IQ Restor or the M-flex (Rayner Intraocular
Lenses, Ltd., East Sussex, London).
The Lentis Mplus (manufactured and distributed by Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, and Topcon, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Figure 2) features a new approach in multifocal IOL technology. This lens combines an aspheric, asymmetric distance-vision zone with a sector-shaped near-vision zone (3.00 D), allowing seamless transition between the zones. The design principle of the surface-embedded sector segment makes the Mplus independent of pupil size. Clinical findings have been promising so far and led to Conformitée Européenne (CE) approval in March 2009. Halo and glare effects are rarely reported, and patient satisfaction is high.
Whatever lens is chosen, due to the multifocal IOL principle of separating light to different foci, the patient must learn to adapt to the visual perception; the possible reduced contrast sensitivity; and the induced photic phenomena, especially at night. Thus, detailed informed consent prior to surgery is mandatory.
To determine which multifocal IOL type best fits the personal needs of the patient, distance preferences must be clarified preoperatively, especially because there are individual differences in near vision preferences that range between 30 and 70 cm. For more information on patient selection, see Choosing Patients for Premium Lenses, page 62.)
TORIC IOLS
Patients with corneal astigmatism of at least 1.00 or 1.50
D can benefit from toric IOLs.4-7 The use of such IOLs in
patients with high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty
is especially rewarding, because the reduction of high
astigmatism (10.00 D or more) results in great patient satisfaction
postoperatively.
Pearls for successful toric IOL implantation include accurate biometry, corneal topography, IOL power calculation, and axis marking preoperatively, and careful IOL alignment intraoperatively. Specific parameters based upon exact biometry are essential for the calculation of a toric IOL and best accomplished absent any manipulation of the eye (eg, drops, pressure measurements). If individual values strongly deviate from each other, it is recommended that biometry be repeated at a later time. Exact keratometry values in contact lens wearers are achieved only if patients abstain from using their contacts for at least 2 weeks prior to the measurement.
In addition to subjective refraction, corneal topography can be helpful to evaluate the type of astigmatism and to exclude further pathology (eg, keratoconus). In some cases, topography is requested for power calculation by some IOL manufacturers. For toric IOL power calculation, data must be entered into the appropriate form and either faxed to the manufacturer or performed online at www.acrysoftoriccalculator. com, www.rayner.com/raytrace, or www.oculentis. com. The surgeon receives IOL suggestions and the corresponding target refraction. Delivery often includes two lenses, one acting as a standby IOL that is sent back to the manufacturer following surgery. Furthermore, the location of the clear corneal incision must be accounted for because it induces additional flattening after surgery.
Preoperatively marking the cylinder axis when the patient is seated is important for the correct placement of the lens into the capsular bag and optimal correction. Cyclorotation of the eye can occur when the patient is positioned lying down. Such rotation can also be related to the anesthesia.
There are different possibilities for axis marking. For example, the horizontal axis can first be marked at the limbus with a sterile surgical pen at 0° and 180°. Then, marking takes place at 90° or the 12-o'clock position. Various instruments are available for exact marking, including horizontal axis markers and a measuring ring manufactured by Geuder AG (Heidelberg, Germany). Accurate lens position alignment after implantation is facilitated by manufacturer-provided drawings or overlays. A microscope that incorporates axis markers was recently introduced by Carl Zeiss Meditec, and others are on the way.
In Europe, toric IOLs can be divided into two groups, those with a fixed cylinder correction and those that allow customized correction of higher astigmatism exceeding 10.00 D.
The STAAR Toric (Monrovia, California) silicone platehaptic IOL comes with a fixed cylinder of either 2.00 or 3.50 D, corresponding to a corneal astigmatism correction of 1.54 or 2.30 D, respectively.
The AcrySof Toric IOL (Figure 3) is a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic lens with an optic diameter of 6 mm and a total length of 13 mm. The lens contains a blue-light filter. In Europe, it is available in seven models, the SN60T3 through T9, which correct 1.50 D to 6.00 D of cylinder at the IOL plane in 0.75 D increments.
The MicroSil Toric MS 6116 TU (HumanOptics, Erlangen, Germany) is a three-piece foldable silicone lens with PMMA haptics that feature a special Z-form. The overall diameter is 11.6 mm and the optic diameter 6 mm. HumanOptics also manufactures individually calculated lenses, such as the MicroSil MS 614 T, with an optic diameter of 6 mm and an overall diameter of 14 mm. The haptics of this IOL are Cshaped. All HumanOptics lenses are available with a bluelight filter.
Rayner's T-flex 573T is a foldable, injectable, one-piece, hydrophilic acrylic IOL with an overall diameter of 12 mm and an optic diameter of 5.75 mm. The T-flex 623T is slightly larger, with a 0.5 mm larger optic and overall diameter. The patented haptic design provides a stable IOL position, even under stress from outside forces, such as during capsular contraction. In addition to standard lenses, an extended power range is available for up to 11.00 D of cylinder correction. Zeiss offers a bitoric model, the AT.Comfort 646 TLC, which can be implanted after microincision cataract surgery. The Lentis Tplus LU-312 T and LU-313 T models are available for up to 12.00 D of customized cylinder correction and are also manufactured with a blue-light filter upon request.
COMBINATION MULTIFOCAL
AND TORIC IOLS
In presbyopic patients with more than 1.50 D of astigmatism,
toric multifocal IOLs are a good option. The first
model was Rayner's M-flex T (Figure 4), based on a multizonal
refractive aspheric optic technology with either four
or five annular zones, depending on the IOL base power.
The lens was first implanted at the University of Heidelberg
in June 2006. Like the monofocal T-flex, it is made of a
hydrophilic acrylic material and features a 360° sharp optic
edge to prevent posterior capsular opacification. The lens is
available in two sizes, a 5.75-mm optic with 12 mm overal
diameter and a 6.25-mm optic with 12.5 mm overall diameter.
The special power range offers cylinders from 1.00 to
1.50 D and 2.50 to 6.00 D in 0.50 D steps.
Two other combination multifocal-toric IOL models are now available, the AT.LISA Toric 466TD and the Mplus Toric, the latter of which will officially be launched at the upcoming World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) meeting in Berlin.
ADDITIVE MONOFOCAL,
MULTIFOCAL, AND TORIC IOLS
The Sulcoflex (Rayner Intraocular Lenses, Ltd.) and the
Add-On (HumanOptics AG; Figure 5) can be implanted in the sulcus of pseudophakic eyes. These supplementary IOLs,
available in monofocal, multifocal, and toric versions, offer
the possibility to correct residual refractive errors after
cataract or refractive surgery. Supplementary IOLs are a
good option in cases of dynamic refraction changes, such as
after penetrating keratoplasty, because they can be explanted
or exchanged easily.
CONCLUSION
A variety of sophisticated premium IOLs is available,
allowing individualized refraction correction and the potential
for spectacle independence. However, the patient
should be informed preoperatively that there is no absolute
guarantee of spectacle freedom. Patient selection, informed
consent, and realistic expectations remain important
parameters for a successful postoperative result.
Gerd U. Auffarth, MD, is the Acting Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Germany. Professor Auffarth is a member of the CRST Europe Editorial Board. He states that he has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned; however, the International Vision Correction Research Center of the University of Heidelberg has received research grants from all companies mentioned except STAAR Surgical. He may be reached at tel: +49 6221 566624; fax: +49 6221 568229; e-mail: ga@uni-hd.de.
Tanja M. Rabsilber, MD, practices at the International Vision Correction Research Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Rabsilber states that she has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned; however, the International Vision Correction Research Center of the University of Heidelberg has received research grants from all companies mentioned except STAAR Surgical. She may be reached at e-mail: tanja.rabsilber@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
