Contrast imaging of new multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) designs with 5 and 7 refractive zones was examined by in vitro measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) and by testing contrast sensitivity with Regan 96% and 11% contrast sensitivity charts after "optical implantation" of MIOLs in 20 healthy subjects by means of a new optical device developed by Reiner. The results were compared with those obtained with a monofocal IOL and a diffractive MIOL. We found that the MTF of both refractive MIOLs showed a reduction in contrast at corresponding spatial frequencies compared with the monofocal and with the diffractive IOL, resulting in a Strehl ratio of below 30%. Contrast sensitivity after "optical implantation" was significantly reduced for the refractive 5- and 7-zone models in high contrast (Regan 96%), but for all MIOL models in low contrast (Regan 11%) compared with the monofocal IOL. The refractive 5-zone MIOL and diffractive MIOL showed no statistical difference in contrast sensitivity.