During cataract surgery, the eye’s clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The visual outcome of the surgery depends on the type of implant that is inserted. Previously, standard monofocal IOLs were the only lens used in cataract procedures. Monofocal lenses can provide the absolute clearest vision at all distances following surgery, but only with the help of glasses. You will likely need glasses following surgery either for distance or reading, and sometimes both. 

Now, technology has pushed forward once again enabling us to decrease the dependency on glasses. If freedom from glasses is your desired outcome, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may be your best choice.  ReSTOR is a bifocal lens implant that has been uniquely designed to improve vision at all distances - up close, far away and, with time and adaptation, good intermediate vision. This lens gives you good “functional” vision for performing most day-to-day activities - reading and driving - without the need for glasses. However, as with many things, there may be a trade-off.  This decrease in the dependency of glasses may mean the loss of some of the sharpness of vision. There are cases when a pair of over-the-counter readers may be necessary for small, detailed work or working on the computer for an extended length of time. Sometimes, you may be left with some residual astigmatism after surgery.  This means the cornea is irregularly shaped producing blurry vision.  However, by upgrading to this premium lens, we are able to perform a LASIK procedure to correct this at NO ADDITIONAL COST. Overall, patients who have chosen the ReSTOR lens over the standard monofocal have expressed greater satisfaction with the increased quality of living and greater freedom from reading glasses and bifocals. 

 

The reading power of the ReSTOR IOL is set at approximately 14 inches, so especially immediately after having surgery, it may be necessary to learn to bring reading material closer to you for it to be in focus.  Although you may have good reading vision, the one weakness of this implant is that it may be necessary to wear reading glasses for computer or fingertip range. It may take some time to get accustomed to your new IOLs.  You will not get the full benefit of the ReSTOR lenses until both eyes are implanted.  Your vision then improves greatly within 4-6 weeks following surgery.

 

It is important to note that no surgeon can guarantee 20/20 vision because everyone’s eyes function differently; however, virtually everyone notices a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery.  Often, the patient may experience a trade off where they do become less dependent on glasses, but may lose the sharpness in their vision.  Some of the factors that can decrease satisfaction with these lenses include:

• You may experience a side effect of glare or halos around lights at night; therefore, you should take extra care when driving at night. Over time, some people grow accustomed to these disturbances and cease to notice them, while others may continue to see them long after surgery.   
• You may have some difficulty in your ability to read in poor lighting conditions.  It is recommended that you choose a good light source placed behind you to read by.

 

Even with these risks, this new premium IOLs does provide the greatest chance of living free from glasses!

 

To read more about ReSTOR®, please visit their website at www.acrysofrestor.com.