Assessment of the image quality of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens models in polychromatic light

PURPOSE: The use of monochromatic light in the assessment of intraocular lenses (IOLs) has been criticized for not representing the real-world situation. This study aimed to measure and compare the image quality of 3 extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL models in monochromatic and polychromatic light. SETTING: David J Apple Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany. DESIGN: In vitro study. METHODS: An optical metrology instrument was used to study image quality metrics of diffractive IOLs with chromatic aberration correction (Symfony and AT Lara) and a refractive lens (Mini Well). The modulation transfer function (MTF) was measured in green and polychromatic light at a 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.0 mm aperture. The EDOF IOL's tolerance to defocus was tested against a monofocal lens. RESULTS: The mean MTF of the EDOF IOL at far distance was decreased in polychromatic compared with monochromatic light. The largest effect was found in the refractive lens; however, at intermediate distance, only small differences occurred. In their tolerance to defocus, the EDOF IOLs were superior to the monofocal IOL. The diffractive IOL had higher MTFs than that of the refractive IOL at 2 primary foci, the refractive IOL's optical quality varied less with defocus at 3.0 mm. The refractive lens was the most susceptible to changes in aperture size. CONCLUSION: The diffractive EDOF IOL was more resistant to chromatic effects than the refractive IOL. The EDOF IOLs provided an extended through-focus performance compared with the monofocal IOL, but differences in optical design, particularly pupil dependency, should be considered when refining IOL selection for patients.