Material and Methods: Eleven eyes of 9 patients aged 5 to 11 years who underwent multifocal IOL implantation were enrolled. Pre and post-operative distance/near visual acuities with and without correction, spectacle usage, binocular function, contrast sensitivity, complications and subjective symptoms were evaluated.

Results: Standard lensectomy surgery and multifocal IOL (Acrysof Restor SN6AD3) implantation was performed in all eyes. The mean age was 7.18±2.08 and the mean follow-up period was 43.8±13.2 months. Mean corrected visual acuity was 0.16±0.11 pre-operatively, and 0.63±0.15 in the early and 0.77±0.18 in the late post-operative period. Post-operative near visual acuity with distance correction was 0.34 in both the early and late periods. With additional near correction, visual acuities were 0.44±0.13 and 0.52±0.13 in the early and late periods, respectively. Two patients reported using spectacles for only distance post-operatively. Contrast sensitivity was Affected only in higher spatial frequencies in 75% of the eyes and both in lower and higher spatial frequencies in 12.5%. Posterior capsular opacification developed in all patients at the end of 18 months. YAG laser capsulotomy solved the problem in 8 eyes whereas pars plana capsulotomy was required in 3 eyes.

Conclusion: Implantation of multifocal IOLs could be a satisfactory alternative in pediatric population above age 5, with better control of amblyopia, more patient comfort and less spectacle dependency. Long-term studies with big series are needed to show the safety and efficacy of multifocal IOLs in this age group. Keywords : Multifocal IOL, pediatric cataract surgery