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AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL

AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is an intraocular lens that provides a full range of vision for patients after cataract surgery, significantly decreasing their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The ReSTOR IOL replaces the natural lens of the eye which has been removed during surgery. Its optic design enables it to bend light to a focal point of the retina, facilitating distance vision. By distributing light on the retina in such a way that images at various distances are clearly perceived, it provides multifocal visual clarity.

The ReStor IOL has been shaped using a special process called apodized diffraction to provide increased depth of focus. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. Apodization is a process through which such light is gradually tapered to create a smooth transition which allows accurate focus at various distances.

The lens of the ReSTOR IOL is convex on both sides, or biconvex, and is made of soft plastic so that it can be folded prior to insertion. This allows the surgeon to make an incision smaller than the diameter of the lens itself. After the IOL has been surgically inserted into the eye, it gently unfolds to restore vision. The IOL is constructed with supporting arms which provide for proper positioning in the eye.

CANDIDATES FOR RESTOR IOL TREATMENT

Any individual who desires multifocal vision without the use of reading glasses, bifocals or contact lenses may be a candidate for ReSTOR IOL. While the ReSTOR IOL was originally designed for patients with cataracts, having cataracts is not necessary to qualify for the ReSTOR IOL. Patients with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control before they can undergo this corrective eye surgery.

BENEFITS OF RESTOR IOL TREATMENT

There are several benefits to ReSTOR IOL treatment which include:

• A soft, foldable acrylic lens
• Smaller incision in the eye
• Correction for both cataracts and presbyopia
• Filtering of blue light for more vivid color perception
• Correction of spherical aberrations that appear with age

THE RESTOR IOL PROCEDURE

The ReSTOR IOL procedure is a relatively simple one. The cataract-impaired lens of the eye is removed through a tiny incision on the edge of the cornea and replaced with the ReSTOR IOL. The procedure takes between 15 to 45 minutes to complete and is performed as an outpatient surgery. After approximately an hour of medical observation, the patient is able to leave the surgery center almost immediately. The patient usually returns for a follow-up appointment with the physician the day after the procedure. The recovery period from the ReSTOR procedure is quite short. Patients are generally able to return to normal activities the following day.

There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery. These symptoms are usually managed satisfactorily with eye drops that have been prescribed by the ophthalmologist. These symptoms almost always subside within a few days as the eye heals and patients may begin to enjoy the clarity of vision the new lenses provide.

RISKS OF THE RESTOR IOL PROCEDURE

As with any surgery, ReSTOR IOL surgery has potential complications. The chief risk associated with ReSTOR IOL treatment, and with all multifocal lens procedures, is that certain individuals simply do not adapt to the new way of seeing. Although most patients adjust in less than a month, many take as long as 6 months to a year to make the adjustment.

Most of the risks associated with the ReSTOR IOL treatment are side effects common to all cataract procedures and all are complications at the surgical site. These risks may include:

• Swelling or bleeding
• Infection
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Secondary cataract formation
• Eye redness or irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision, halos or glare in low light

In general, ReSTOR treatment has a high rate of success with few complications. A majority of patients report improved vision right after surgery.

AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL

Intraocular lenses are used during cataract surgery to replace the damaged lens of the eye with an implant that clears up and corrects vision, oftentimes leaving patients with little to no dependence on glasses.

Up until now, patients with astigmatism did not have the same opportunities that other cataract patients have had in correcting their condition with the types of IOL lenses that were available. Typically, the astigmatic patient would need an additional surgical procedure, such as refractive surgery or LASIK, to correct their vision after the procedure. If the patient did not want to undergo another surgical procedure, the only option for correction would be the use of either contact lenses or glasses to address their astigmatism.

Toric IOLs are able to accommodate for the condition of astigmatism. Toric IOLs are specially designed to correct astigmatism along with overall vision during cataract surgery, offering complete vision correction.

The advanced Toric IOLs correct the imbalance caused by an irregular cornea shape in patients with astigmatism. There are several different types of FDA approved Toric IOLs which can correct up to 4 diopters of astigmatism.

THE TORIC IOL PROCEDURE

The cataract-impaired lens of the eye is gently removed through a tiny incision that is made on the edge of the cornea. The lens is then removed and replaced with the Toric IOL. The procedure takes from 15 to 45 minutes to complete.

Following the procedure, patients will be able to return home after about an hour of observation. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for the day after the surgery to monitor the patient's recovery. Recovery from the surgery is usually short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities almost immediately.

There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery, which can be managed through eye drops that have been prescribed by your doctor. These symptoms usually go away within a few days as the eye heals and patients can begin to enjoy the many benefits of their new lens.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF A TORIC IOL

As with any surgery, Toric lens surgery has potential complications. The most common side effects of all cataract procedures include:

• Redness
• Irritation
• A sensitivity to light
• Infection

These risks, however, are rare and are often outweighed by the potential benefits of restoring vision.

Toric IOLs are considered safe for most patients with astigmatism and are the only solution to correct vision problems associated with both cataracts and astigmatism.