Multifocal lenses in glaucoma patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To achieve a vision as similar as possible to before presbytia has become the objective of cataract surgery, popularising multifocal intraocular lens implantation in the last few years. This hypothetical benefit is not alien to glaucoma patients who need cataract surgery. Multifocal intraocular lenses provide an independence from glasses to a high percentage of patients; however, after implantation, it is not uncommon to experience different undesired optical effects such as halos, glare and a decrease in contrast sensitivity. These dysphotopsic effects do not prevent these lenses from providing a high level of satisfaction to most of our patients. As for the issue at hand, it is impossible to avoid the anatomical characteristics and the morphological and functional changes in pathological conditions that may occur in the setting of glaucoma and which, some times, may give way to unsatisfying results. In this chapter we take into consideration the potential benefits, disadvantages and problems that may stem from the use of multifocal lenses in patients with glaucoma. To understand the potential interaction between the functional defects caused by glaucoma and the potential undesired optical effects induced by multifocal lenses, we must review all of them in detail. Once these points have been revised, we will be in a position to consider which would be the potential indications for these lenses in glaucoma patients and which would be the most appropriate type of implant.