To analyze factors affecting depth of focus (DOF) and near vision functionality in eyes implanted with aspheric monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

This prospective study included 111 eyes of 74 patients that underwent phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL implantation. Ninety-one normal eyes were randomized to receive aberration-free (n = 30) or negative-spherical aberration (SA) IOLs (n = 61). Twenty post–hyperopic femto-LASIK eyes received aberration-free IOLs. Corneal higher-order aberrations (SA, coma, trefoil, and corneal asphericity) for a 6 mm pupil were measured by Scheimpflug tomography. Ray-tracing metrics (visual Strehl optical transfer function [VSOTF], effective range of focus [EROF], sphere shift [SS], EROF−SS), pupil size measurements at far and near, and ocular and corneal SA were obtained using ray-tracing aberrometry. Distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA) and subjective defocus curves up to ±4.0 diopters were evaluated.

Multivariable logistic regression found corneal profile and IOL type to be determinants of extended DOF with monofocal IOLs. The aberration-free IOL group showed significantly better DCNVA and higher total SA than the negative-SA group. Post–hyperopic LASIK eyes showed significantly better DCNVA; higher negative SA, coma, and Q value (P < .05), and smaller pupil size (P = .05) than normal eyes implanted with aberration-free IOLs.

Corneal profile and type of IOL implanted were the most important factors influencing near vision functionality with aspheric monofocal IOLs. Higher positive SA in the aberration-free group potentially led to better DCNVA than the negative-SA group in normal eyes. Hyperprolate corneas had better DOF curves and DCNVA than normal corneas. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.