Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Following Cataract Surgery with Two Monofocal Intraocular Lenses: Clareon® vs AcrySof® IQ Monofocal

Aim: This study aimed to compare the performance of two monofocal Intraocular Lenses (IOL) platforms. Background: The Clareon® Intraocular Lens (IOL) is a relatively new monofocal lens platform designed to improve postoperative results compared to other monofocal platforms. Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the visual and refractive outcomes, and incidence of YAG capsulotomy of the Clareon® IOL and a standard non-preloaded AcrySof® monofocal IOL following contralateral implantation in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: A total of 20 patients (40 eyes; 12 female, average age 72.8±6.4 years) who had undergone contralateral implantation of an AcrySof® IQ monofocal lens (SN60WF or SN6AT; Alcon; Texas, USA) and a Clareon®monofocal lens (CNAOT0; Alcon; Texas, USA) were selected. Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA), Contrast Sensitivity (CS), kinetic perimetry, and refraction were measured 1 month following the second surgery and subjective vision was measured 6 months following the second surgery using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Results: There was no difference in postoperative UDVA (P=0.94), CS (P>0.05), or refraction (P=0.64) between eyes that received the Clareon® and AcrySof® IQ lenses. Clareon® eyes had a higher incidence of glare/haloes and positive dysphotopsia while AcrySof® IQ eyes had a higher incidence of negative dysphotopsia. Patient satisfaction was similar between the groups (P=0.86), although 25% of patients reported more clarity in the eye that received the Clareon® lens. The incidence of posterior capsular opacification was low for both groups. Conclusion: Clareon® and AcrySof® IQ lenses perform similarly, providing good refractive, visual, and subjective outcomes. Clareon® is available as a preloaded lens option and may reduce PCO and the need for Nd: YAG capsulotomy.