Figure 3

For far vision (Figure 3), both the Array IOL and the presbyLASIK acuities were over 0.5, but the optical performance for Array was lower. These results show that, without considering post-implant surgical consequences, both procedures could provide comparable visual quality.

The fact that both the central presbyLASIK technique and a multifocal IOL, such as the Array, provide similar outcomes for far or near multifocal vision is significant, because both techniques compare favourably with each other. The choice of using one or the other should be based on the age of the patient, individual eye factors, patient desires and clinical judgement.

The advantages of corneal multifocal surgery (presbyLASIK in its different forms) are the ease of accessibility of corneal refractive surgery, its less invasive nature when compared with intraocular surgery and its attractive appearance to patients.

Lens refractive surgery is an intraocular and invasive procedure, with a potential for difficulties that even in expert hands, can lead to complications such as endophthalmitis. This method offers the advantage of lens multifocality on a stable basis, and is not affected by corneal wound healing. However, multifocal IOLs do not allow correction of high order aberrations, which is now possible with modern excimer laser procedures.

In conclusion, this is the first scientific demonstration that validates presbyLASIK as an alternative to intraocular multifocal surgery such as with the Array design. In the future, this model might allow the ophthalmic surgeon to decide which procedure should be most suitable for a given patient as its predictive capabilities and good clinical correlation provide a scientific basis for the indications of presbyLASIK excimer laser surgery.

Dolores Ortiz, PhD

Authors
Dolores Ortiz, PhD is a researcher (physicist) at the Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Vissum Corporation, Alicante, Spain. She may be reached by E-mail: rdioa@vissum.com
.

Carlos Illueca, PhD is Professor of Optics at the Dpto. Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía. Universidad de Alicante, Spain.

Jorge L. Alió, MD, PhD is Professor & Chairman of Ophthalmology and the Medical Director of the Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Vissum Corporation, Alicante, Spain. He is also Professor of the Division of Ophthalmology, Miguel Hernández University, Medical School, Alicante, Spain.

Jorge L. Alió, PhD

Dr Alió serves as a member of the Ophthalmology Times Europe Editorial Advisory Board.

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