Sunday, September 14, 2008

Gender factors into the equation for satisfaction after multifocal IOL implantation

Berlin

Gender should be another factor to take into account when planning multifocal IOL implantation, according to the findings of a study presented by German ophthalmologist Magda Rau MD.

Dr Rau analysed possible gender-related differences in patient acceptance and satisfaction after multifocal IOL implantation using data from patients who underwent bilateral surgery with one of four different multifocal implants between 1999 and 2007. The IOLs were used during successive time periods and represented different optics designs. Between 1999 and 2001, 40 patients received the refractive Array multifocal IOL (AMO). From 2000-2001, 40 patients received the MF4 (Zeiss), a refractive multifocal lens with a near dominant zone. The diffractive Tecnis multifocal IOL (AMO) was implanted in 11 patients who underwent refractive lens exchange between 2004 and 2005, and the refractive ReZoom IOL (AMO) was implanted in 80 patients between 2005 and 2006.

Based on ratings of satisfaction, explantation rates, and complaints about near vision, far vision, and dysphotopsias, Dr Rau concluded implantation of a diffractive IOL in women is associated with higher satisfaction whereas men are more satisfied with their vision after implantation of a multifocal IOL with a refractive design.

“Men are hunters and women gatherers. Women attach more importance to reading print without glasses, but with their shorter arms, they also prefer a shorter reading distance. In contrast, men place more importance on clear distance vision and seem to be more troubled by problems with glare and haloes. In fact, the only patients who underwent explantation because of unsatisfactory distance vision, glare, and haloes were men,” said Dr Rau.

“Thorough counselling is important for all patients receiving a multifocal IOL, but this information suggests the patient education must be even more careful in men.”

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