To assess binocular visual outcomes in patients who were implanted with a monofocal IOL (intraocular lens) in one eye and a multifocal IOL in the contralateral eye or with a bilateral multifocal IOL.

This study enrolled 15 patients (30 eyes) implanted with a monofocal IOL in one eye and a multifocal IOL in the contralateral eye (5 patients, group 1) or with a bilateral multifocal IOL (10 patients, group 2). Binocular visual acuity (uncorrected/best distance corrected near, intermediate, and distance vision), binocular uncorrected reading speed, and contrast sensitivity were assessed at 6 months following the last implantation. Patient's quality of life (overall satisfaction, halos and glare presence, and spectacle dependence) was also assessed using a questionnaire at 6 months postoperatively.

There was significant difference in the uncorrected and corrected near visual acuity between the 2 groups in the mesopic condition. There was no significant difference in visual acuity, reading speed and contrast sensitivity in other conditions between the 2 groups. Spectacle dependence rate was 60% in group 1 and 20% in group 2. The glare symptom was present in 60% of patients in both groups and the halo symptom was present in 3 out of 10 patients in group 2. Overall satisfaction score was not significantly different between the groups.

The combined implantation of a monofocal and a multifocal lens revealed similar visual outcomes compared to bilateral multifocal IOL implantation except for near vision. In addition, the results showed similar patient satisfaction in both groups.