Full-Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens Posterior Optic Capture for Selected Pediatric Cataracts

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of implantation of a full-diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with optic capture for selected pediatric cataracts. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with pediatric cataract aged 3 to 14 years were selected to receive multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZMB00; Abbott Medical Optics) posterior optic capture. Visual acuity, stereopsis, visual quality, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (66 eyes) were recruited with a follow-up of 9.09 ± 5.93 months (range: 6 to 24 months). The cataract was bilateral in 21 patients and unilateral in 24 patients. At the last follow-up visit, the mean distance-corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.25, 0.43 ± 0.24, and 0.39 ± 0.27 logMAR, respectively. Among the patients with bilateral cataract, postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/40 or better in 79% (33 of 42) of the eyes and 20/20 in 26% (11 of 42) of the eyes. Of the patients with unilateral cataract, 54% (13 of 24) achieved a CDVA of 20/40 or better but none obtained a CDVA of 20/20. All patients developed stereopsis postoperatively ( P < .05). There was no significant difference in modulation transfer function cut-off and Strehl ratio between the eyes with a multifocal IOL and the healthy eyes of patients with unilateral cataract ( P > .05). Objective Scatter Index values were significantly better in the healthy eyes ( P < .05). No posterior capsule opacification, posterior synechiae, secondary glaucoma, pigmentary IOL deposits, or IOL decentration was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term follow-up results suggest full-diffractive multifocal IOL optic capture may benefit appropriately selected patients with pediatric cataract. [ J Refract Surg . 2021:37(6):390–397.]