The ReSTOR Lens

Cataract Surgery: The Basics

Cataracts are a common condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The cloudiness makes it difficult for light to focus in the eye and the result is a haziness of vision and other visual disturbances. At present, the only way to treat a cataract is to remove it surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries performed, and for an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Ilan Cohen of Fifth Avenue Eye Center, this surgery is routine.

Replacing the Natural Lens:

Once the cataract lens is removed, the eye will no longer have the ability to focus light clearly and the lens needs to be replaced. In the past, lens implants used in cataract surgery have been fixed monofocal lenses. This eliminates natural lens function and requires the use of removable contact lenses or prescription glasses. With modern cataract surgery the option exists to replace the lens with a prescription implantable intraocular lens (IOL). An intraocular lens is implanted inside the eye and remains in place indefinitely. Implantable intraocular lenses offer the convenience of not relying on glasses or contact lenses.

Benefits of ReSTOR IOL:

One of the most popular intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery is the ReSTOR IOL. The ReSTOR IOL is a lens implant that allows patients to see objects both near and far. The lens uses both apodized diffractive and refractive technologies to distribute light. As a result, patients are often freed of having to use glasses for all distances.

As we age, it is common for our ability to focus our eyes on both near and distance subjects to diminish. This process is called accommodation. The decline in our ability to accommodate our eyes leads to the need for reading glasses or bifocals to compensate. ReSTOR IOLs can also be used to treat problems with accommodation. Whether or not a patient has a cataract is irrelevant. Many patients choose to replace their natural lenses with ReSTOR as a means of vision correction. This procedure has a high success rate with approximately 94% satisfaction. Additionally, about 80% of patients report never having to wear glasses for any reason after the procedure. Best results are achieved when both eyes have the ReSTOR procedure.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Dr Ilan Cohen performs hundreds of ReSTOR procedures each year. However, your candidacy for any particular lens needs to be determined by an extensive screening exam. In general, the best non-cataract candidates have a normal eye exam and are dependent on reading glasses or bifocals. It’s also important for patients to have realistic expectations for what the procedure can deliver.

Risks of the ReSTOR Procedure?

Like any surgery, implantation of ReSTOR does have some associated risks. Infection is always a potential complication, but treating pre-operatively and post-operatively with antibiotics typically mitigates that risk. Additionally, some glare and halo effect is common, but it is considered a minor trade-off for the gains in visual acuity and accommodation. It also should be noted that once this procedure is performed and the natural lens is removed, it cannot be replaced. The ReSTOR lens itself, however, can be replaced with another intraocular lens at a later date if the lens power needs to be adjusted. This is a very rare occurrence.