Blue light-filter IOLs do not affect combined cataract-vitreoretinal surgery

This randomized clinical trial compared the ability of surgeons to perform specific vitreoretinal procedures through yellow blue light-filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs) compared with clear ultraviolet-filter (UV-filter) IOLs. The study's authors did not find any significant differences between surgeon performance, patient complications, or outcomes in patients who received either type of IOL during combined cataract-vitreoretinal surgery, suggesting that the use of blue light-filter IOLs does not have a deleterious effect on these combined surgeries.

Sixty patients served as subjects in the study and were randomly assigned to receive UV-filter or blue light-filter IOLs during surgery involving phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, and a vitreoretinal procedure. All patients had been diagnosed with a vitreoretinal pathology, such as diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, or persisting macula edema, and a coexisting significant cataract, and were slated to undergo combined surgery. Primary outcome measures were intraoperative conditions for the surgeon, which were judged through a scaled questionnaire, and patient outcomes after three months. Complication rates and vitreoretinal diagnoses were evaluated as secondary outcome measures.

Financial Disclosure
Dr. Hoffman has no financial interests to disclose.