Purpose: To characterize the visual sensations reported after bilateral implantation of the Array multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Allergan Surgical) and evaluate the means to mitigate unwanted visual sensations.
Setting: Surgery centers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Lake Worth, Florida, USA.
Methods: A retrospective parallel-group assessment of subjective nighttime visual sensations was conducted in 22 patients who had bilateral implantation of the Array multifocal IOL. Thirteen patients were recruited from a small subset of patients who were dissatisfied with the Array because of unwanted visual sensations (UVS group). The parallel group included 9 patients who were satisfied with the Array and not bothered by visual sensations (satisfied group). The primary endpoint was the patient's characterization of visual phenomena under simulated nighttime conditions. The secondary endpoint was the effect of adding trial lenses of -0.50 diopter (D) and -1.00 D to the patient's distance spectacle correction.
Results: Most patients reported that the simulation produced visual sensations similar to their real-life experiences. Patients in the UVS group reported the visual sensations as large starbursts and somewhat spoke-like starbursts with fine lines. Patients in the satisfied group reported them as blurred large or small starbursts. A few reported a color variance and finer quality to the starburst in real life. Visual phenomena were generally mitigated by the addition of a -0.50 D or -1.00 D lens.
Conclusions: Both study groups reported similar visual phenomena. The difference between those who were bothered by the visual sensations and those who were not appears to be a function of individual tolerance. The visual sensations may be mitigated with minus-lens overcorrection.