INTERPRETING MULTIFOCAL INTRAOCULAR-LENS MODULATION TRANSFER-FUNCTIONS

The optical performance of new multifocal intraocular lens designs is frequently assessed using the modulation transfer function (MTF). We d iscuss the relationship between the MTF and clinical measures of human visual function, such as threshold visual acuity and contrast sensiti vity. Using in vitro MTF measurements of a human eye model containing a multifocal or monofocal intraocular lens, we predict relative change s in acuity and contrast sensitivity and outline the techniques using a simple model of human retinal threshold detection. Specific concepts introduced include the visual acuity graph, predicted visual acuity g raph, and predicted contrast sensitivity function.