Until recently, life without reading glasses or bifocals wasn’t an option for most cataract patients. You now have that option. With more than 50 million implants in cataract surgeries worldwide, not only is this one of the safest procedures available, the AcrySof® family of lenses are the most frequently used intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the world, largely because physicians appreciate their long-term clinical results and unmatched stability.
What is Acrysof Restor Lens?
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL Intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s clouded crystalline lens. The first multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) of its kind, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL draws upon decades of expertise and technology to truly help cataract patients see it all — near, far, and everything in between — without the need for reading glasses or bifocals after surgery.
How Does it Work?
The ReStor multifocal IOL is based on three complementary optic principles – refraction, diffraction, and apodization – to provide optimal near and far visual clarity. The refractive portion works in the same way as a standard IOL, with the periphery designed to optimize distance and night vision when the pupil dilates. Located within the central circle, the diffractive part of the IOL consists of 12 concentric rings on the anterior surface. It provides near and distance vision in moderate to bright lighting conditions. Apodization is created by the radial variation in optical properties due to the decreasing height of each of the concentric rings mentioned above. The heights change from the center to the periphery of the IOL, balancing the amount of light distributed between distances far and near and reduces problems with halos and glares.
When Are Acrysof ReSTOR Lens Used?
These lenses are used to replace the natural lens during cataract surgery. Made of soft plastic, they are convex on both sides. They are folded and inserted into the eye, then gently unfolded to restore vision. Once inserted, the supporting arms of the lens keep it in the proper position in the eye.
Diffractive Optic Design
Acrysof ReSTOR Lens features a pupil-adaptive optical design that optimizes performance at all distances and in all lighting conditions. The design offers a larger diffractive region, 9 diffractive steps spaced closer together, and a central diffractive zone dedicated 60% to near vision and 40% to far vision. This means that the IOl distributes light more evenly between near and far vision in well-lit conditions and favors distance vision in poorly lit conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Acrysof Restor Lens?
The AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) gives the majority of patients a life without glasses. In fact, 80% of patients who had the ReSTOR IOL implanted in both eyes reported the no longer needed glasses after the surgery. In comparison, approximately 10% of patients receiving monofocal lenses reported the same result. And those who did need glasses after surgery with the ReSTOR lens reported prescriptions that were noticeably weaker. This makes participation in sports, driving, reading, and most everyday activities much more enjoyable.
What Will the Results Be from the Procedure?
The AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) offers most patients life without glasses. Clinical data has shown that:
80% of patients never need glasses to see clearly at all distances.
99% of patients could drive a car without contacts or glasses.
97% of patients could read newspapers and books without bifocals or reading glasses.
90% of patients could put on makeup or shave without contacts or glasses.
80% of patients NEVER need contacts or glasses for any activities.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you have healthy eyes but are dependent on bifocals or reading glasses, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. ReSTOR® lenses are an FDA approved technology for cataract patients with or without presbyopia. However, you don’t have to require cataract surgery to qualify for the ReSTOR® lens. It is also appropriate for patients who want their eyesight restored at a range of distances without the use of corrective eyewear.
