Influence of surface light scattering and glistenings of intraocular lenses on visual function 15 to 20 years after surgery.

Purpose: To assess the long-term influence of surface light scattering and glistenings of hydrophobic acrylic (Acrysof), silicone, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual function.

Setting: Eleven surgical sites, Japan.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Patients who had cataract surgery with implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic, silicone, or PMMA IOL from 1994 to 2000 were examined. Silicone and PMMA IOLs were not restricted to specific manufacturers or models. Patients were included if their corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) within 3 months postoperatively (baseline CDVA) was 20/25 or better. The CDVA, contrast sensitivity, degree of surface light scattering measured with Pentacam densitometry, and glistening grades were recorded at the patient's latest visit.

Results: Of the eyes, 31 had a hydrophobic acrylic IOL, 37 a silicone IOL, and 30 a PMMA IOL. Surface light scattering and glistenings were significantly greater with the hydrophobic acrylic IOL than with silicone and PMMA IOLs (P < .0001). The CDVA at the latest visit as well as the changes in CDVA from the baseline to the latest visit did not differ between the IOLs and was unaffected by surface light scattering and glistenings, as was the contrast sensitivity.

Conclusions: The hydrophobic acrylic IOL was associated with a significantly greater level of surface light scattering and glistenings than the silicone IOLs and PMMA IOLs 15 to 20 years postoperatively. However, the optical phenomena within the optics of the hydrophobic acrylic IOL did not influence the patients' visual function.