New EDOF Lens Delivers Good Intermediate Vision

A new extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens provides good biometric predictability and satisfactory visual performance with a low occurrence of visual disturbances after cataract surgery, according to Dr Cristina A Nicula.

“The Evolux IOL (SIFI SpA) is safe, easy to implant, and delivers satisfactory visual performance at a range of distances,” she said. “No visual disturbances were reported by any patient during the entire follow-up period. The design of the lens enables it to provide better intermediate and equivalent distance vision compared to a standard monofocal IOL.”

Discussing the lens properties, Dr Nicula explained that the Evolux is a hydrophobic EDOF IOL with a non-diffractive profile and an optical design based on the optimisation of spherical aberration technology. Its emphasis on improving intermediate vision fits the changing demands of today’s cataract patients.

“Visual needs have evolved in recent decades, with many older adults working beyond retirement age and living a more active life than was previously the case,” she observed.

“Choosing an extended monofocal IOL, and improving intermediate vision, means helping these patients with their everyday activities and making their life easier.”

Dr Nicula’s prospective non-randomised study included 30 eyes of 20 patients with a mean age of 72 years who underwent cataract surgery with Evolux implantation between September and December 2022. The main outcome measures were refractive error, corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, UCDVA), and uncorrected and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity at 66 cm (UIVA, DCIVA). The team also obtained monocular visual acuity at different vergences (defocus curve). All patients were targeted for emmetropia and evaluated at one and three months postoperatively.

The Evolux demonstrated very good predictability, with all eyes recording a postoperative spherical equivalent within 0.75 D and 90% within 0.5 D of target refraction at one and three months. Both uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity were better than 0.1 logMAR in 100% of eyes. At three months, 87% of eyes recorded a best-corrected distance visual acuity equal to 0.0 logMAR. Uncorrected intermediate distance visual acuity at one month was 0.2 or better in 87%, and best corrected intermediate visual acuity was 0.2 or better in 97% of patients. Additionally, 80% of patients obtained UIVA of 0.2 or better and 100% DCIVA of 0.2 or better. The defocus curves showed all patients gained good intermediate vision ranging from 60 cm to 1 m, and no visual disturbances were reported during the entire follow-up.

Summing up, Dr Nicula reported the Evolux was a safe and effective IOL option for cataract patients who are particularly interested in reducing spectacle dependence at intermediate distances.

Dr Nicula gave this presentation at the 2023 ESCRS Winter Meeting in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Cristina A Nicula MD, PhD is an ophthalmologist practising at the Oculens Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. niculacristina65@yahoo.com