Computerized analysis of the effects of intraocular lens edge design on the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients

Purpose: To study the distribution and intensity of reflected glare images from 3 intraocular lens (IOL) edge designs. Setting: Eye Institute, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. Methods: The interaction of light rays as a function of edge design was evaluated using an experimental eye model and an advanced ray‐tracing program. Three hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were studied: an acrylic square‐edged (sharp) design, an acrylic round‐edged design, and a new acrylic IOL with a rounded anterior edge and a sharp posterior edge. Results: The rays hitting the sharp edge of an IOL caused peripheral arcs or circles of light on the side of the retina opposite the focused image. Edge reflections also occurred with the round‐edged IOL, but the intensity of the reflected image was one tenth that of the intensity with the sharp‐edged design. The new round‐/sharp‐edged design reduced the maximum intensity of the reflected image to one third the intensity of the sharp‐edged reflected image. Conclusions: The experimental findings with an acrylic IOL that combines a sharp posterior edge with a low incidence of reflected edge glare are promising.