ReSTOR/ReZOOM Intraocular Lens Implants
Increased Freedom from Glasses After Cataract Surgery
Cataract
As we get older the clear lens of our eye becomes cloudy and our vision
decreases. This cloudy lens is what we call a cataract. If the decrease
in vision is significant enough to limit our activities of daily living,
the cataract an be surgically removed. Therefore with cataract surgery,
the lens of the eye is removed.
After the cataract is removed, a new artificial lens is implanted at
the time of surgery to help the eye focus light. This implant is called
an intraocular lens, or IOL.
Standard intraocular lenses focus at one distance, thus they are called
monofocal lenses.
Typically, the patient's focus is aimed for the distance and reading
glasses are needed for near work. Most patients that have standard monofocal
intraocular lenses still need glasses (90% need reading glasses at least
some of the time).
New Implant Technology
The new ReSTOR intraocular lens has technology that enables both distance
and near vision after cataract surgery. This new lens design is based
on complex apodized refraction technology. AcrySof® ReSTOR® has
been uniquely designed to improves vision at all distances – up
close, far away and everything in-between – giving cataract patients
their best chance ever to live free of glasses.
The FDA trials of the ReSTOR lens show that 4 out of 5 patients with
the ReSTOR IOL reported NEVER wearing glasses following cataract surgery
in both eyes, compared to only one out of ten patients with monofocal
lenses. No other intraocular lens has ever show this much freedom from
glasses in a clinical trial. Indeed, 94% of the study patients were so
satisfied with the ReSTOR IOL that they would have it implanted again.
The new ReZOOM intraocular lens uses refraction technology to accomplish
multifocal images on the retina. Like the ReSTOR lens, it provides distant,
intermediate and near images simultaneously.
In the past, life without reading glasses or bifocals was not an option
for most cataract patients. Now patients have the option of choosing the
ReSTOR or ReZOOM intraocular lenses which have the unique technology providing
you with quality vision throughout the entire visual spectrum –
near through distance – with increased independence from reading
glasses or bifocals!
New Technology Specifics
ReSTOR uses diffraction technology to focus distant, intermediate and
near images on the retina at the same time. Diffraction involves the bending
or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the
lens. On the ReSTOR IOL, the center of the lens surface consists of an
apodized diffractive optic. This means that the series of tiny steps in
that center area work together to focus light for near vision.
ReZOOM focuses distant, intermediate and near images on the retina by
alternating rings of different focusing power. The ReZOOM IOL thus uses
refraction technology that has the ability to focus multiple images simultaneously
onto the retina.
Patients now have new options for vision recovery after cataract surgery.
Medicare and private insurance companies do not consider the extra expense
of the Deluxe IOL lens to be a covered service. This new technology falls
under the category of refractive surgery, thus patients are responsible
for the extra costs associated with implanting the ReSTOR/ReZOOM deluxe
intraocular lens.
No one can guarantee good vision after surgery. In addition to the risks
of cataract surgery, some risks specifically related to the ReSTOR or
ReZOOM implants include the following:
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- glare, halos and night vision difficulties
(which can be considered severe in 5% of patients)
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- no guarantee of freedom from spectacles
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- surgeon cannot predict exact near point
distance for best near vision
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- surgeon may choose to place regular
monofocal IOL at the time of surgery if he has concern the IOL
may not center well in the eye
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Vision with the ReSTOR/ReZOOM lens is often best if the respective lens
are placed in both eyes. Not all patients are good candidates for a ReSTOR
or ReZOOM lens. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye
disorders may prevent a recommendation for this high technology IOL. Your
eye surgeon can help you decide if the ReSTOR or ReZOOM intraocular lens
is right for you.
The Eye MDs
The ReSTOR and ReZOOM IOLs are now available for patients at The Eye
MDs. They perform cataract surgery at the Physicians
Outpatient Surgery Center in Belpre, Ohio. If you or someone you know
have cataracts, call our doctors for a consultation: 1-800-758-3937.
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