Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation can reduce the light scattering caused by cataract, but many patients with IOLs implantation complained of glare or blurred vision.IOLs from different materials will affect IOL refractive index (RI) and optical design, which affect the value of scattered light of IOLs implantation.

This study was to analyze the effect of IOL materials on optical quality in pseudophakic eyes with optical quality analysis system (OQAS).

The clinical data of 95 eyes from 65 patients with age-related cataract who received phacoemulcification with IOL implantation in Tianjin Eye Hospital from March to Octomber were retropectively analyzed.Three types of IOL, including AR40e, Acrysof SA60AT and Rayner 620H, were implanted in 32 eyes, 30 eyes and 33 eyes, respectively.The visual quality indexes were detected and evaluated using OQAS, including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA, LogMAR), objective scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cut off (MTF cut off), strehl ratio (SR), Profile width at 50% point scatter function (PSF), Profile width at 10% PSF and contrast visual acuity under the 100%, 20%, 9% contrasts.

The UCDVA was ≥0.3 in the eyes of AR40e group, SA60AT group and 620H group 1 month after surgery.No significant difference was found in the best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA, LogMAR) among three groups (F=1.362, P=0.246). The OSI was 1.72±1.11, 1.89±1.07 and 2.13±1.13 in the AR40e group, SA60AT group and 620H group, with a significant difference among the groups (F=3.638, P=0.045), and the OSI was significantly lower in the AR40e group than that in the SA60AT group or 620H group (both at P<0.05). No considerable difference in MTF cut off among the groups (F=2.401, P=0.192). The SR value was significantly elevated and the PSF at both 50% and 10% was declined in the AR40e group compared with the SA60AT group and 620H group (all at P<0.05). A significant difference was found in 9% contrast visual acuity among the three groups (F=3.866, P=0.038), and 9% contrast visual acuity was better in the AR40e group than that in the SA60At group or the 620H group (both at P<0.05). Negative correlations were found betwee OSI and BCDVA in the AR40e group, SA60AT group and 620H group (r=-0.275, P=0.041; r=-0.287, P=0.042; r=-0.233, P=0.037).

OQAS can evaluate optical quality of cataract patients after opeartion objectively.Material and RI of IOL have a great effect on visual quality after phacoemulcification with IOL implantation, especially under the low contrast environment.The operated eyes implanted hydrophobic acrylic IOLs with a lower RI can get better optical quality in comparison with the eyes implanted hydrophilic IOLs.

Pseudophakia; Lens implantation, intraocular; Acrylic resins; Hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions; Scattering, radiation; Contrast sensitivity; Visual acuity; Refraction, ocular