Comparison of higher order aberrations and contrast sensitivity after LASIK, Verisyse phakic IOL, and Array multifocal IOL

PURPOSE: To evaluate higher order aberrations and contrast sensitivity after LASIK, implantation of the Verisyse phakic intraocular lens (IOL), and refractive lens exchange with the Array multifocal IOL. METHODS: In a prospective, non-randomized case series, LASIK was performed in 20 eyes with the Technolas 217z excimer laser (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY), a Verisyse phakic IOL (AMO Inc, Santa Ana, Calif) was implanted in 11 eyes, and refractive lens exchange with implantation of a multifocal IOL (Array IOL, AMO Inc) was performed in 12 eyes. Wavefront error (Zywave aberrometer; Bausch & Lomb) at two pupil sizes (4 and 6 mm) and photopic contrast sensitivity (CVS-1000) was measured preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively in all eyes. RESULTS: Photopic contrast sensitivity remained unchanged in the LASIK and the Verisyse groups, and decrease was significant in the Array group at three cycles per degree only. Higher order aberrations with a 4-mm pupil were increased in the Array group only. With a 6-mm pupil, they were increased in all groups. Comparing groups, surgically induced higher order aberrations were highest after refractive lens exchange with the Array multifocal IOL and lowest after implantation of the Verisyse IOL. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis, the Verisyse IOL, and the Array IOL increase higher order aberrations at large pupil sizes, but no increase occurs at small pupil sizes with LASIK or the Verisyse IOL. Contrast sensitivity in photopic conditions is normal with LASIK and the Verisyse IOL, but slightly reduced with the Array IOL due to the multifocal optic.