Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation to Reduce Intraocular Pressure: Updated Perspectives.

Trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation are the most commonly performed glaucoma surgeries worldwide. Although trabeculectomy is the gold standard, at the present time there is an increase in the use of glaucoma drainage devices. The Ahmed glaucoma valve is one of the most widely used glaucoma drainage devices worldwide. Corneal endothelial cell loss and eventually corneal decompensation is one of the serious complication of glaucoma drainage device implantation. To avoid this, drainage tube can be inserted into the ciliary sulcus instead of the anterior chamber, especially in eyes with high risk for corneal decompensation. Tube/plate exposure, hypertensive phase, endophthalmitis, cataract formation, diplopia and ocular hypotony are the other potential complications that can develop after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

Management of glaucoma with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis / Manejo do glaucoma em olhos com ceratoprótese Boston tipo 1

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the frequency, clinical characteristics, complications, and management of glaucoma in eyes that underwent keratoprosthesis implantation. Methods: Patients who underwent keratoprosthesis surgery between June 2010 and January 2020 were retrospectively evaluated for glaucoma association and prognoses. Results: Among 17 patients who underwent keratoprosthesis surgery, 9 (52.9%) were associated with underlying or keratoprosthesis-induced glaucoma. Five eyes (29.4%) had underlying glaucoma and underwent a glaucoma drainage device implantation at least 6 months before keratoprosthesis surgery. One eye (5.9%) with normal intraocular pressure had glaucoma drainage device implantation at the same session with keratoprosthesis surgery due to high-risk characteristics of anterior segment structures. Four eyes with preexisting glaucoma showed progression after keratoprosthesis surgery. Additional antiglaucomatous treatment was commenced in two eyes whereas implantation of 2nd glaucoma drainage device was performed in two eyes. Postoperative complications in three eyes (100%) with glaucoma drainage device implanted 6 months before or at the same session with aphakic type keratoprosthesis surgery with partial vitrectomy included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in two eyes and bacterial endophthalmitis in one eye. Migration of silicone oil through the tube to the subconjunctival area was seen after pars plana vitrectomy in one eye. None of the three eyes (0%) that underwent glaucoma drainage device implantation years before keratoprosthesis surgery experienced a posterior segment complication other than glaucomatous progression. Out of 11 eyes with no previous history of glaucoma, 3 (27.3%) showed high intraocular pressure and glaucomatous disc changes after keratoprosthesis surgery, which could be pharmacologically controlled. Conclusions: In this cohort, eyes with preexisting glaucoma were more difficult to manage compared to eyes with de novo glaucoma after keratoprosthesis surgery. Retinal complications appeared more often when glaucoma drainage device implantation was performed no more than 6 months before aphakic type keratoprosthesis surgery with partial vitrectomy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a frequência, as características clínicas, as complicações e o manejo do glaucoma em olhos submetidos a implantes de ceratoprótese. Métodos: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de ceratoprótese entre junho de 2010 e janeiro de 2020 foram avaliados retrospectivamente em termos de glaucoma associado e prognóstico. Resultados: Dos 17 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de ceratoprótese, em 9 (52,9%) foi constatado glaucoma subjacente ou induzido por ceratoprótese. Cinco olhos (29,4%) tinham glaucoma subjacente e receberam a implantação de um dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma pelo menos 6 meses antes da cirurgia de ceratoprótese. Um olho (5,9%) com pressão intraocular normal teve implantado um dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma na mesma sessão da cirurgia de ceratoprótese, devido às características de "alto risco" das estruturas do segmento anterior. Quatro dos olhos com glaucoma preexistente apresentaram progressão após a cirurgia de ceratoprótese. Foi iniciado um tratamento antiglaucomatoso adicional em 2 olhos, enquanto outros 2 olhos receberam o implante de um segundo dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma. Foram observadas complicações pós-operatórias em 3 olhos (100%) com dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma implantado 6 meses antes ou na mesma sessão da cirurgia de ceratoprótese tipo afácica com vitrectomia parcial, incluindo descolamento de retina regmatogênico em 2 olhos e endoftalmite bacteriana em 1 olho. Em 1 olho observou-se migração do óleo de silicone para a área subconjuntival através do tubo após vitrectomia via pars plana. Nenhum dos 3 olhos (0%) implantados com dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma anos antes da cirurgia de ceratoprótese apresentou complicações do segmento posterior, exceto progressão glaucomatosa. Dos 11 olhos sem história prévia de glaucoma, 3 (27,3%) apresentaram alta pressão intraocular e alterações do disco glaucomatoso após cirurgia de ceratoprótese, condições que podem ser controladas clinicamente. Conclusões: Nesta coorte, os olhos com glaucoma pré-existente foram mais difíceis de manejar, comparados àqueles que desenvolveram glaucoma após a cirurgia de ceratoprótese. Apareceram mais complicações retinianas quando o implante do dispositivo de drenagem de glaucoma foi realizado no máximo 6 meses antes da cirurgia de ceratoprótese do tipo afácico com vitrectomia parcial.

Management of glaucoma with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE: To describe the frequency, clinical characteristics, complications, and management of glaucoma in eyes that underwent keratoprosthesis implantation. METHODS: Patients who underwent keratoprosthesis surgery between June 2010 and January 2020 were retrospectively evaluated for glaucoma association and prognoses. RESULTS: Among 17 patients who underwent keratoprosthesis surgery, 9 (52.9%) were associated with underlying or keratoprosthesis-induced glaucoma. Five eyes (29.4%) had underlying glaucoma and underwent a glaucoma drainage device implantation at least 6 months before keratoprosthesis surgery. One eye (5.9%) with normal intraocular pressure had glaucoma drainage device implantation at the same session with keratoprosthesis surgery due to high-risk characteristics of anterior segment structures. Four eyes with preexisting glaucoma showed progression after keratoprosthesis surgery. Additional antiglaucomatous treatment was commenced in two eyes whereas implantation of 2nd glaucoma drainage device was performed in two eyes. Postoperative complications in three eyes (100%) with glaucoma drainage device implanted 6 months before or at the same session with aphakic type keratoprosthesis surgery with partial vitrectomy included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in two eyes and bacterial endophthalmitis in one eye. Migration of silicone oil through the tube to the subconjunctival area was seen after pars plana vitrectomy in one eye. None of the three eyes (0%) that underwent glaucoma drainage device implantation years before keratoprosthesis surgery experienced a posterior segment complication other than glaucomatous progression. Out of 11 eyes with no previous history of glaucoma, 3 (27.3%) showed high intraocular pressure and glaucomatous disc changes after keratoprosthesis surgery, which could be pharmacologically controlled. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, eyes with preexisting glaucoma were more difficult to manage compared to eyes with de novo glaucoma after keratoprosthesis surgery. Retinal complications appeared more often when glaucoma drainage device implantation was performed no more than 6 months before aphakic type keratoprosthesis surgery with partial vitrectomy.

Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation with the tube placement in the ciliary sulcus: short-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of pseudophakic/aphakic eyes with uncontrolled glaucoma that underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation with the tube placement in the ciliary sulcus. METHODS: Medical records of the patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation through the ciliary sulcus, between December 2017 and June 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' age, gender, glaucoma diagnosis, visual acuity, intraocular pressure levels, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-seven eyes of 43 patients with glaucoma were enrolled. The mean age was 54.5 ± 19.9 years (range, 7-88 years) at the time of surgery, and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 7.9 ± 3.4 months (range, 3-16 months). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure level was 35.2 ± 6.8 mmHg (range, 25-55 mmHg), and it was found as 15.6 ± 5.4 mmHg (range, 9-33 mmHg) at the last follow-up visit. Decrease in intraocular pressure level was statistically significant (P < 0.001). At the last follow-up visit, success (postoperative IOP ≥ 6 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg with or without antiglaucomatous medications, without further surgery for IOP control, without loss of light perception and without removal of the implant) was achieved in 41 eyes (87.2%). Hyphema was the most common postoperative complication and developed in 11 eyes (23.4%) and resolved spontaneously in all of them within one month. CONCLUSION: In pseudophakic or aphakic eyes with uncontrolled glaucoma, placement of Ahmed glaucoma valve tube in the ciliary sulcus is a safe and effective procedure. Ciliary sulcus can be considered as a potential space during tube shunt surgery in eyes with high risk of tube-corneal touch or corneal decompensation.

The number of intracorneal ring segments in asymmetric and central cones.

BACKGROUND: To compare the results of single versus double intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) (KeraRing) implantation in keratoconus with respect to different cone locations. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 18 patients with totally asymmetric cones (20-80% or 0-100% distribution along steep axis) were implanted with single ICRS (Group 1), 38 eyes of 32 patients with central or partially asymmetric cones (50-50% or 40-60% distribution along steep axis) were implanted with double ICRS (Group 2), at a depth of 80% of the site of implantation, in channels created with femtosecond laser device. All patients had uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) of ≤ 0.3 Snellen lines. RESULTS: In both groups, patients had median UDVA and CDVA gain of 3 Snellen lines (P > 0.05). Postoperative improvement in indices of vertical asymmetry and height decentration in Group 1; simulated keratometry, corneal astigmatism and anterior corneal asphericity values in Group 2 were greater (P < 0.05). A total of 10 eyes (45.5%) in Group 1 were recommended double ring implantation by the manufacturer's nomogram, but underwent single ICRS implantation and achieved visual, refractive, tomographic outcomes comparable to that in Group 2, although corneal cylindrical correction was less and final topographic astigmatism was greater. CONCLUSION: Double ICRS implantation seems to be superior in terms of keratometry, corneal astigmatism and anterior corneal asphericity improvement. Single ICRS implantation in totally asymmetric cones seems to provide satisfactory visual, refractive and tomographic results, similar to double ICRS implantation in central and partially asymmetric cones, by inducing central shift of the cone.

Evaluation of the Cataract Surgery 2018 Survey in Terms of Achieving Refractive Cataract Surgery Targets.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to show at what rate the technological equipment used in cataract surgery by Turkish ophthalmologists and their knowledge are reflected in practice and how up to date they are. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire conducted using SurveyMonkey was used to evaluate the answers to 17 questions from 823 members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association. Results were evaluated in subgroups according to the participants' age, occupational status, institutions, and whether they conducted relevant academic activities, and the data were compared as inadequate, standard, and contemporary approaches according to the determined criteria. Results: Optical biometry devices were used at rates of 77.7% and 67.3% for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations and keratometric measurements in preparation for cataract surgery, respectively. For IOL power calculation, third-generation formulas, especially the SRK-T, were used most commonly (46.2%), followed by second-generation formulas (21.9%), and fourth/fifth-generation formulas and multiple evaluations for different axial lengths (31.9%). The most common incision size was 2.8 mm (51.6%), while the percentage of 2.2 mm and shorter incisions considered to be neutral in terms of surgically induced astigmatism was 18.8%. When selecting incision location, approaches to reduce corneal astigmatism were reported by 28.9%, neutral approaches by 26.2%, and insensitive approaches by 44.9%. Additionally, 55.6% of participants never implanted toric IOLs and 50.7% did not use presbyopia-correcting IOLs. The proportion of surgeons who have experience with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was 10.3% and the rate of intracameral antibiotic injection at the end of the operation was 89.4%. Conclusion: It was seen that Turkish cataract surgeons were able to use high technology for surgical preparation and surgery at high rates, but this was not reflected in practice at same rate in terms of achieving contemporary standards of refractive cataract surgery.

Ophthalmic Abnormalities among Children Treated with Cochlear Implants.

OBJECTIVES: To review the ocular abnormalities in children treated with cochlear implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 children (29 boys, 22 girls) who were under 18 years old, presented previously with severe to profound hearing loss, and underwent cochlear implantation surgery were included in this study prospectively. A detailed ophthalmic examination, including refraction, best corrected visual acuity, ocular motility, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination, was performed for each patient. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 80.10±38.64 (range, 18-168) months. A total of 13 (25.4%) children had at least 1 ophthalmic abnormality. The majority of the detected ophthalmic abnormalities were hyperopia and astigmatism (6 patients had hyperopia, 5 had astigmatism, and 2 had hyperopia plus astigmatism). Strabismus (esotropia) was found in 2 patients, 2 patients had refractive amblyopia, and 2 patients had nystagmus. Moreover, 3 patients had microcornea, 2 patients had cataract, and 1 patient had epiblepharon. Optic disc coloboma (3 patients), choroidal coloboma (1 patient), and pigmentary abnormality (1 patient) were noticed on fundus examination. Congenital rubella syndrome (2 patients), Waardenburg's syndrome (1 patient), and CHARGE syndrome (coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia, growth retardation, genital abnormalities, ear abnormalities) (1 patient) were also present. CONCLUSION: Children treated with cochlear implant should be consulted with an ophthalmologist to identify any treatable ocular abnormality.

Evaluation of ocular pulse amplitude in patients with carotid artery stenosis using the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) using the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer (DCT). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound Doppler examination of the carotid artery for the suspicion of CAS were prospectively enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent a complete ocular examination. OPA was measured using Pascal DCT. The participants were divided into four groups according to the degree of CAS: Group 1 (no occlusion, control group), Group 2 (mild occlusion: < 50 per cent), Group 3 (moderate occlusion: 50-69 per cent), and Group 4 (severe occlusion: ≥ 70 per cent). RESULTS: A total of 161 eyes of 81 patients were included in the study. Of the 81 patients, 50 (61.7 per cent) were male, and 31 (38.3 per cent) were female. The mean age was 66.6 ± 12.3 years (range, 20-91 years). Mean OPA values were found to be 2.68 ± 0.97 mmHg in Group 1 (n = 64 eyes), 2.62 ± 0.83 mmHg in Group 2 (n = 49 eyes), 2.30 ± 0.97 mmHg in Group 3 (n = 27 eyes) and 1.66 ± 0.59 mmHg in Group 4 (n = 21 eyes). There was no statistically significant difference in mean OPA levels between Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.73). However, statistically significant differences were found between the other groups when they were compared with each other (Groups 1 and 3, p = 0.02; Groups 1 and 4, p < 0.001; Groups 2 and 3, p = 0.02; Groups 2 and 4, p < 0.001; Groups 3 and 4, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: OPA decreases in patients with moderate to severe CAS. OPA measurement with Pascal DCT can be used as a screening test for CAS.

Topically applied 1% voriconazole induces dysplastic changes on the ocular surface: animal study.

PURPOSE: To identify the risk of inducing ocular surface dysplasia following topical administration of 1% voriconazole eye drop. METHODS: Fourteen noninflamed healthy eyes of 14 white adult New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The rabbits were randomly divided into two groups comprised of 7 rabbits each. Group 1 received topical 1% voriconazole and Group 2 received topical saline as the control group. In all animals, right eye was selected for the study. In Group 1 (Voriconazole Group), single drop of voriconazole was instilled every 10 min consecutively for 17 times a day for 60 days. In Group 2 (Control Group), single drop of saline was instilled every 10 min consecutively for 17 times a day for 60 days. At two months, animals were sacrificed and study eyes were enucleated with the eyelids. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histopathologic changes in cornea, bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva were evaluated under light microscope. RESULTS: There were no macroscopically visible lesions on the ocular surface of any rabbits. Histopathological evaluation showed mild to moderate dysplasia localized mainly in the limbus and extending to the adjacent cornea and bulbar conjunctiva in all rabbits in Voriconazole Group. Severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ was not observed. In the Control Group, dysplasia was not observed, at all. CONCLUSION: This animal study provides a possible relationship between topically administered 1% voriconazole and ocular surface dysplasia. We recommend ophthalmologists to be aware of the risk of ocular surface dysplasia in patients received voriconazole eye drop.

Visual Results Following Implantation of a Refractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens in One Eye and a Diffractive in the Contralateral Eye.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the visual outcomes in patients who underwent cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using a "mix and match" approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (40 eyes) were involved in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Refractive multifocal IOLs (ReZoom NXG1) were implanted in patients' dominant eyes and diffractive multifocal IOLs (Tecnis ZMA00) were implanted in their non-dominant eyes. Monocular and binocular uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (logMAR), and contrast sensitivity levels were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months after cataract surgery. Defocus curves, reading speeds, patient satisfaction, spectacle dependence, and halo and glare symptoms were also evaluated at 6 months after the surgery. Postoperative quality of life was assessed with the Turkish version of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25. RESULTS: The study group comprised 8 females and 12 males with a mean age of 69.45±10.76 years (range, 31-86 years). The uncorrected distance and intermediate visual acuity levels were significantly better in the ReZoom-implanted eyes at postoperative 6 months (p=0.026 and p=0.037, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in uncorrected near visual acuity (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in contrast sensitivity, reading speed, halos, or glare between the groups (p<0.05). Mild glare/halo was reported by 40% of the subjects. The mean patient satisfaction was 95% and all patients were spectacle independent. CONCLUSION: Mixing and matching multifocal IOLs in selected cataract patients provides excellent visual outcome, a high level of patient satisfaction, and spectacle independency.

Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Patients With Arcus Senilis.

PURPOSE: To compare the corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) levels in patients with and without arcus senilis (AS). METHODS: Ocular response analyzer measurements were performed on the right eyes of 37 patients with AS (group 1) and 37 control eyes (group 2). Corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, Goldmann-correlated IOP, and corneal compensated IOP were recorded with Ocular response analyzer. Spherical equivalent value of the refractive errors, axial length, central corneal thickness, and IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer were noted for each study eyes. Statistical analyses were performed with Student t, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.6 ± 9.8 years in group 1 and 65.3 ± 8.1 years in group 2 (P = 0.308). Mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor readings were 9.8 ± 0.9 versus 10.6 ± 0.8 (P < 0.001) and 10.05 ± 1.07 versus 10.9 ± 0.9 (P < 0.001) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean corneal compensated IOP and Goldmann-correlated IOP values were found as 16.1 ± 3.3 mm Hg versus 15.8 ± 2.6 mm Hg (P = 0.719) and 15.1 ± 3.3 mm Hg versus 15.0 ± 2.6 mm Hg (P = 0.912) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistical difference in IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer, central corneal thickness, spherical equivalent value of the refractive error, axial length measurements, and mean keratometry readings between the 2 groups (P = 0.983, P = 0.289, P = 0.938, P = 0.886, P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values of eyes with AS were lower when compared with the controls. This study demonstrated that AS may change the corneal biomechanical properties.

Combined transscleral fixation of an artificial iris prosthesis with an intraocular lens.

Post-traumatic aniridia combined with aphakia may be seen after globe injury. Aside from esthetic aspects, partial or total loss of the iris tissue may also be related to various degrees of glare and photophobia. Such patients suffer from severe visual impairment secondary to aphakia. Herein we describe a novel surgical technique for the management of an aphakic eye with traumatic aniridia for a patient who underwent transscleral fixation of a custom-tailored artificial iris prosthesis combined with a rigid intraocular lens (IOL). Tight suturing of the IOL haptic eyelets on the silicone iris prosthesis and fixation of such a complex to the scleral wall may provide excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes in aphakic eyes with aniridia.

Long-term results of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy: a twelve-year follow-up study.

AIM: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety results of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy. METHODS: The charts of 49 glaucoma patients who underwent viscocanalostomy or phacoviscocanalostomy surgery between February 1999 and August 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-one eyes of 21 glaucoma patients who underwent filtering procedure with a postoperative follow-up of at least 5y were included in the study. Results of complete ophthalmologic examinations were recorded and statistically analyzed. Long-term surgical outcome was defined as an overall success when intraocular pressure (IOP) was found as ≤20 mm Hg with or without antiglaucomatous medication at the last follow-up visit, while it was defined as a complete success when IOP was measured ≤20 mm Hg without antiglaucomatous medication. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.1±9.6y (range: 32-81y). Mean follow-up time was 101.5±27.3mo (range: 60-144mo). Viscocanalostomy was performed in 8 eyes (25.8%) and phacoviscocanalostomy was performed in 23 eyes (74.2%). The mean preoperative IOP was 23.1±7.6 mm Hg with 2.1±1.0 medications, while mean IOP was 16.8±3.8 mm Hg with 0.9±1.1 medication at the last follow-up visit. Both the IOP decrease and the reduction in the antiglaucomatous medication were statistically significant (P<0.001 and P<0.001). No case required further glaucoma surgery. Overall success and complete success were found as 87.1% and 51.6%, respectively. Complete success rate was statistically higher in phacoviscocanalostomy group compared with the viscocanalostomy group (P=0.031), however there was no significant difference in overall success rate between two groups (P=0.072). CONCLUSION: Both viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy provide good IOP reduction in the long-term period.

Surgical management of spontaneous in-the-bag intraocular lens and capsular tension ring complex dislocation.

We describe a technique to manage late spontaneous intraocular lens (IOL) and capsular tension ring (CTR) dislocation within the intact capsular bag. The subluxated IOL and CTR complex can be positioned in a closed chamber and fixed to the pars plana at both 3 and 9 o'clock quadrants with the presented ab externo direct scleral suturation technique which provides an easy, safe and effective surgical option for such cases.

Long-term experience with mixing and matching refractive array and diffractive CeeOn multifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare visual performance of the refractive Array SA40N and the diffractive CeeOn 811E multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to evaluate the potential benefits of combining both multifocal IOLs in the same patient. METHODS: Two groups of cataract patients were unilaterally implanted with either the CeeOn diffractive (n = 10) or the Array refractive multifocal IOL (n = 10). Another group was bilaterally implanted with one of each multifocal IOLs (mix & match group, n = 10). Visual acuity, spectacle independence, depth of focus, contrast sensitivity, presence of photic phenomena, and patient satisfaction were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: All eyes achieved good distance visual acuity but better uncorrected near vision was achieved with the CeeOn diffractive design. Contrast sensitivity with either multifocal IOL was at the lower limit of the normal range but when multifocal IOLs were combined in the same patient, contrast sensitivity was not significantly different from phakic controls. Defocus curves revealed a superiority of CeeOn diffractive design for near and Array refractive design for intermediate but mix & match patients performed better overall than the other patients, particularly for intermediate distances, which was reflected by total independence from spectacles in 90% of patients compared to 60% in the other groups. Visual outcomes remained unchanged over time (1 month vs 6 month vs > 3 years). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral implantation with a diffractive multifocal IOL in one eye and a refractive multifocal IOL in the fellow eye is safe and could provide patients with better intermediate vision, increased depth of focus and contrast sensitivity, and also less dependence on spectacles.