Aging changes in apparent accommodation in eyes with a monofocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE To examine the aging changes in the amplitude of apparent accommodation in eyes with a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). DESIGN Prospective comparative observational study. METHODS Two hundred eyes of 200 patients who were scheduled for phacoemulsification and monofocal IOL implantation were studied. Forty patients in each of five age groups-younger than 40 years of age or in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s-were prospectively recruited. Using an accommodopolyrecorder, the amplitude of apparent accommodation of these patients was measured approximately 1 month after surgery. Visual acuities from far to near distances after best-corrected distance were examined using an all-distance vision tester, and the region of accommodation at which each patient achieved a visual acuity of 20/29 or 20/40 was determined and converted to the diopteric range. Contrast sensitivity was also examined using a vision contrast test system. RESULTS The amount of apparent accommodation as measured with the accommodopolyrecorder was decreased significantly in proportion to patient age (P <.0001). Furthermore, significant negative correlation was found between the amount of apparent accommodation and actual age of each patient (r = -.491). The diopteric range of accommodation at which the patients achieved 20/29 or 20/40 also reduced in proportion to the age. Although no significant differences were found in the mean far visual acuities between age groups, the intermediate and near visual acuities worsened significantly with age. The contrast sensitivity was also reduced in proportion to the age. CONCLUSIONS The amplitude of apparent accommodation in eyes with a monofocal IOL decreases significantly in proportion to age, resulting in worsening of best-corrected intermediate and near visual acuities.