We did a follow-up study of 35 patients who had phacoemulsification with implantation of diffractive, multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) 2.5 years ago. The patients had an average age of 58.2 +/- 9.6 years. Fifty multifocal IOLs were implanted (3M 815LE, n = 45; 3M 825X, n = 5). Refractive values, visual acuity, depth of focus, and the dependence on corrective glasses were evaluated. Eighty percent of the spherical equivalents ranged from -1 to +1 D (mean 0.25 +/- 0.71). In 76% the cylindric power was not higher than 1 D (mean 0.87 +/- 0.64). With distance correction, 100% of the patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Without correction, 86% achieved 20/40 or better. Near acuity of 20/40 or better with only distance correction was achieved in 98% of patients. Ninety-four percent had a near acuity of 20/40 or better without any correction. The depth of focus was significantly better in the multifocal group than in a control group of patients with monofocal IOLs (P < .01). Although 90% of the patients had good uncorrected visual acuity results of 20/40 or better for near and distance, 58% preferred glasses for distance and/or near.