COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ENHANCED MONOFOCAL IOLS VERSUS STANDARD MONOFOCAL IOLS IN CATARACT SURGERY: OPTIMIZING INTERMEDIATE VISION WITHOUT COMPROMISING DISTANCE ACUITY

Background: Standard monofocal IOLs restore distance vision but often require glasses for near and intermediate tasks after cataract surgery. Enhanced monofocal IOL, aims to improve intermediate vision while maintaining excellent distance vision. This study compared the visual outcomes of patients implanted with enhanced monofocal IOLs versus standard monofocal IOLs. Materials and Methods: 100 patients with age-related cataracts were randomly assigned to receive either enhanced monofocal IOLs or standard monofocal IOLs. Visual acuity outcomes—uncorrected intermediate (UCIVA), uncorrected distance (UCDVA), distance-corrected intermediate (DCIVA), and near visual acuity (NVA)—were measured at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Data analysis was conducted using EPI-Info software. Results: The enhanced monofocal IOL group demonstrated significantly better intermediate visual acuity than the standard group, with a higher percentage achieving better UCIVA (p=0.003) and DCIVA (p<0.001). At 1 week, 10% of the enhanced IOL group achieved UCIVA of 6/4.8 compared to none in the standard group. At 4 weeks, 38% of enhanced IOL patients reached DCIVA of 6/4.8, compared to none in the standard group. Both groups showed comparable UCDVA and CDVA, with no statistically significant differences. Near visual acuity did not differ significantly between the groups, and both achieved satisfactory near vision. Overall, the enhanced IOL group reported higher patient satisfaction and greater spectacle independence. Conclusion: Enhanced monofocal IOLs, significantly improve intermediate visual acuity without compromising distance or near vision. These IOLs provide a more comprehensive visual solution, making them a superior choice for cataract patients seeking reduced dependence on glasses for intermediate tasks.