Small aperture IC-8 intraocular lens in cataract patients: achieving extended depth of focus through small aperture optics

BACKGROUND: To investigate visual outcomes following cataract surgery in patients who were implanted monocularly with an extended range of focus IC-8 IOL. METHODS: A multicentre, non-randomised, retrospective case series of 126 consecutive patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Data were collected and pooled from six centres across Australia. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 80 cm and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm were measured in eyes implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Adverse events, spectacle independence, visual symptoms and patient satisfaction were assessed at final follow-up. RESULTS: Over 90% of the patients without pre-existing ocular pathology (n = 109) achieved UDVA, UIVA and UNVA of 6/12 or better in the IC-8 eye. Binocularly, in this group, 98% achieved UDVA of 6/9, 94% UIVA of 6/12 and 91% UNVA of 6/12 or better. By final follow-up, over 50% of patients reported complete spectacle independence for distance, intermediate and near visual activity, with the remainder only using spectacles for specific tasks such as near-vision hobbies and reading in dim light. CONCLUSIONS: The IC-8 IOL is capable of providing extended depth of focus following cataract surgery. It allows complete spectacle independence in more than half of the patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL.