07/10/2015

Author: Grzegorz Łabuz, Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, University of Murcia

Ocular straylight is caused by inhomogeneities in the ocular media that scatter light. An increased straylight level leads to several visual difficulties and decreases quality of vision. An intraocular lens (IOL) is considered as a new source of straylight once implanted in the eye. However, IOL contributions differ across optical designs and materials, particularly in case of multifocal IOLs.

The ESCRS poster appeared to address this issue showing that the hydrophilic material presents less straylight by comparison to the hydrophobic one. This might result in decreasing the risk of optical side effects like disability glare after multifocal IOL implantation, and consequently, improving patient satisfaction. How this difference can be understood, and whether other IOL factors play a role, is currently under studies.