The Alcon AcrySof® ReSTOR® Lens FAQ
What is a ReSTOR IOL?
A ReSTOR IOL is an intraocular implant that is specifically designed to restore BOTH distance and near vision. These IOL’s are designed as an option for cataract surgery lens replacement, as well as for individuals who have lost their ability to see things up close. When people get into their early forties, presbyopia develops. ReSTOR IOLs are designed to provide a person with the ability to see objects at distance, mid and near vision ranges.
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What is Presbyopia ?
Presbyopia occurs when the lens in the eye loses its ability to read up close and begins to fail with age. Presbyopia usually occurs in our 40's and gets progressively worse as we get older. Presbyopia occurs in 100% of the population. Traditional correction of presbyopia requires reading glasses (for individuals that have good distance vision) and bifocals for nearsighted or farsighted patients. Some nearsighted patients overcome presbyopia by removing their glasses so they can comfortably read.
Am I a ReSTOR IOL candidate?
Patients that are nearsighted or farsighted or those with good distance vision (even after Lasik) will have the ability to see again at near with a ReSTOR IOL surgery! ReSTOR implants offer patients the option of correcting both distance and near vision problems with one procedure. This differs drastically from Lasik surgery which is designed to reshape the cornea. Lasik surgery is designed to correct vision at one specific distance.
What is an intraocular implant?
Intraocular implants have been around for decades and were specifically designed for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is performed when the crystalline lens turns into a cataract. Cataract development is a normal part of aging. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure in the elderly population and several million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide each year. Intraocular lens implantation has become the mainstay of treatment following cataract removal since the 1980’s.
If I have had Lasik surgery can I still have a ReSTOR IOL surgery so I can see up close again?
In most instances yes. People can safely have ReSTOR IOL surgery following lasik surgery. Some people who have had hyperoptic lasik may not be candidates. You should contact Dr. Davidian's office for a consultation and exam to find out if you are a candidate for the ReSTOR IOL.
If I was told I was not a candidate for Lasik surgery would I be a candidate for a ReSTOR IOL?
In many instances the answer is yes. If the reason you were not a candidate for Lasik was related to limitations to your prescription, the ReSTOR IOL may be the perfect solution for you. Several factors determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Obviously there are many conditions that can prevent you from being a good candidate for a ReSTOR IOL or Lasik (e.g. unstable diabetes, auto immune disorders, history of eye trauma etc.).
If I have been told I have astigmatism can I have a ReSTOR IOL?
It depends. Small amounts of astigmatism are not necessarily a problem. Astigmatism is usually present in the cornea but can also be present in the lens itself. Larger amounts of corneal astigmatism may require excimer laser correction (i.e. Lasik) to create a spherical cornea to allow a ReSTOR IOL to function optimally. To make sure ReSTOR IOL surgery is right for you, seek the advice of your vision care doctor.
I have no trouble seeing things up close, will I have this problem some day?
Unfortunately yes. You should check with your treating physicians to fully understand the impact of age regarding your eyesight or to make sure ReSTOR IOL surgery is right for you, seek the advice of your vision care doctor.
Is ReSTOR IOL surgery safe?
The surgical technique for a ReSTOR IOL involves replacing the aging crystalline lens with an implant that is designed to provide an individual with both distance and near vision. The process of removing the aging crystalline lens is exactly the same as cataract surgery which is performed millions of times a year worldwide.
If the cataract lens is removed will it grow back?
No, once the aging lens is removed it will not grow back. Occasionally an opacity can develop in the capsular bag ( the structure in the eye that holds the lens). This opacity can be removed with an in office laser procedure.
Is ReSTOR IOL surgery painful?
The procedure is performed in a sterile operating room and strong anesthetics are used to make the eye numb. This is done since the external part of the eye has many nerve fibers. Keep in mind the lens has no nerve fibers so pain in this area is not possible. Occasionally some patients do report a pressure sensation.
Are there risks with the ReSTOR IOL procedure?
There are risks with any medical procedure. These risks are best discussed individually with your qualified vision care surgeon to fully understand how your vision and health may be impacted.
Is Lasik different than the ReSTOR lens?
Yes. Lasik reshapes the cornea and does not treat the aging lens. After lasik surgery people still experience presbyopia. The lens becomes presbyopic and also cataractous over time. Cataract surgery with the ReSTOR lens removes the lens replacing it with a ReSTOR IOL that can provide good distance AND near vision.
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AcrySof ReSTOR IOL: New Vision Technology
AcrySof ReSTOR IOL is totally changing the landscape of refractive surgery. Patients in their mid to late 40s and older have an opportunity with one surgery to
help their near and distance vision. Never before has there been such an opportunity
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