Abstract
Background Intraocular lenses (IOLs) that extend a single focal point are designed to improve intermediate vision while maintaining the optical clarity of traditional monofocals. Unlike multifocal designs, they aim to reduce visual disturbances such as glare and halos, offering a more comfortable visual experience. These lenses are particularly beneficial for modern tasks like computer use, cooking, or dashboard viewing, where intermediate vision plays a critical role. This study is part of a larger prospective investigation comparing visual outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety of the Eyecryl SERT and TECNIS Eyhance IOLs after cataract surgery. Methods This prospective, comparative clinical study included patients undergoing cataract surgery who were implanted with either Eyecryl SERT or TECNIS Eyhance IOLs. After obtaining informed consent, preoperative screening and clinical assessments were performed. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted on Day 1, Week 2, and Month 6. Outcome measures included binocular and monocular uncorrected and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA) at 66 cm under photopic conditions, contrast sensitivity, defocus curve, reading speed, patient-reported satisfaction, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and adverse event rates. Results The study included 120 eyes from 60 participants, with 30 subjects in each IOL group, all of whom completed follow-up visits. At six months, Eyecryl SERT demonstrated superior intermediate visual outcomes compared to TECNIS Eyhance, with significant improvements in binocular DCIVA at 66 cm (0.02 ± 0.06 vs. 0.08 ± 0.07 logMAR; p < 0.0001) and monocular DCIVA at 66 cm (0.05 ± 0.09 vs. 0.13 ± 0.08 logMAR; p < 0.0001). Monocular UCIVA also improved in the Eyecryl SERT group compared to TECNIS Eyhance (0.08 ± 0.10 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 logMAR; p < 0.0001). Eyecryl SERT demonstrated better contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies (p < 0.0001) and higher reading speeds (near: 184.4 ± 23.12 vs. 174.8 ± 17.53 words per minute; p = 0.0074). Defocus curve performance was superior for Eyecryl SERT at -1.0 D and -1.5 D (p = 0.05 and p = 0.009). No PCO or adverse events were reported. Conclusions The Eyecryl SERT IOL demonstrated superior intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading performance compared with the TECNIS Eyhance over a six-month follow-up period, without any associated safety concerns. These results suggest that Eyecryl SERT may provide a functional advantage for tasks requiring intermediate vision, potentially enhancing patient satisfaction in daily activities. However, further long-term studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed to validate these findings and assess their broader clinical applicability.