A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 20 studies with a total of 2230 subjects. Most studies compared multifocal and monofocal lenses but there was considerable variety in the make and model of lenses implanted. Similar distance acuity was achieved with both types of lenses. People with multifocal lenses had better near vision and were less spectacle dependent (table T1. Adverse subjective visual phenomena, particularly haloes, or rings around lights, were more prevalent and more troublesome in participants with the multifocal lenses and there was evidence of reduced contrast sensitivity with the multifocal lenses.
| Outcome (Follow-up: 6 weeks to 18 months) | Relative effect(95% CI) | Assumed risk - Control -Monofocal intraocular lens | Corresponding risk - Intervention - Multifocal intraocular lens | No of participants(studies) Quality of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaided distance visual acuity worse than 6/6 | RR 0.96(0.89 to 1.03) | 800 / 1000 | 768 / 1000(712 to 824) | 682(8) Moderate |
| Unaided near visual acuity worse than J3/J4 | RR 0.20(0.07 to 0.58) | 570 / 1000 | 114 / 1000(40 to 330) | 782(8) Low |
| Spectacle dependence | RR 0.63(0.55 to 0.73) | 880 / 1000 | 554 / 1000 (484 to 642) | 1000(10) Low |
| Participant-reported outcomes: glare | RR 1.41(1.03 to 1.93) | 180 / 1000 | 254 / 1000(185 to 347) | 544(7) Low |
| Participant-reported outcomes: haloes | RR 3.58(1.99 to 6.46) | 80 / 1000 | 286 / 1000 (159 to 517) | 662(7) Moderate |
Primary/Secondary Keywords