To evaluate visual results and complications after bilateral implantation of multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in children above five years of age.

In this prospective non-randomized controlled trial, children with bilateral developmental cataract above five years of age were divided into two groups – Group A implanted with multifocal IOL (both refractive and diffractive) and Group B implanted with monofocal IOL in both eyes.Outcome measures of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance, distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and complications such as posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and glare were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests.

Forty-two eyes of 21 children (mean age: 7.19 years, range: 5-12 years) were included in the study. Group A included 14 eyes (seven children) Group B included 28 eyes (14 children). Both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA at one year follow-up, but no significant difference was found on comparing contrast sensitivity. Stereopsis was slightly better in Group A (125.71 arc-sec) as compared to Group B (140 arc-sec) (p = 0.280). Most patients in Group A were spectacle-independent for near (71.4 %) versus Group B. MRSE at one year was 0.21 in Group A and 0.5 in Group B. Incidence of PCO was similar in either groups (35.7 %). No intraoperative complication was noted in any child.

Multifocal IOL implantation is a viable option in children above five years of age with bilateral cataract.