ReSTOR® & ReZoom ™
Lens Replacement Surgery

For some patients then, rather than having a corneal laser eye surgery procedure such as LASIK, Custom LASIK, PRK, or monovision LASIK, a different type of refractive surgery can be used to better help achieve the goals of being less dependent on glasses or contact lenses for not only distance vision, but intermediate arms length and close near vision. This type of refractive surgery is called Lens Replacement Surgery which includes ReSTOR ®, and ReZoom™.

ReSTOR® and ReZoom™ Lens Replacement Surgery is performed in a similar manner to cataract surgery. It is performed in an outpatient surgery center. With ReSTOR® & ReZoom™  Lens Replacement Surgery, your surgeon will numb the eye with eye drops. He or she will then make a very tiny incision at the outer edge of the cornea through which a microscopic ultrasonic instrument can be inserted. Using the ultrasound, your surgeon will be able to gently divide the natural lens into pieces small enough to be aspirated from the eye. Once your natural crystalline lens has been removed, it can now be replaced by a new permanent Intraocular Lens Implant. The new lens is inserted into the eye in the same position as the natural lens. 

Your surgeon will select from advanced intraocular lens technology available today which includes ReSTOR® and  ReZoom™.   Each of these advanced technology implantable lenses uses a slightly different optical design to help you achieve your goal of clear vision at all distances. Your surgeon and his or her staff will discuss their recommendation based on many factors in your consultation.

ReSTOR ®

ReSTOR® is actually known by the technical name, AcrySof® ReSTOR® Apodized Diffractive IOL.

What is ReSTOR ®?

The AcrySof ReSTOR ® Apodized Diffractive Optic Posterior Intraocular Lens is a permanent artificial lens that is convex on both sides and made of a soft plastic. It is folded and inserted into the eye through a tiny incision. After insertion, the lens gently unfolds into position. The supporting arms of the lens maintain proper positioning within the eye.

How does it work?

The AcrySof ReSTOR ® Intraocular Lens replaces the natural lens. It has a patented optic design using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies. The apodized diffractive optic design gives it the ability to focus light correctly on the retina for images at various distances without mechanical movement of the lens.

• Apodization is a gradual reduction or blending of the diffractive step heights.
• This unique technology optimally manages light energy delivered to the retina because it distributes the appropriate amount of light to near and distant focal points, regardless of the lighting situation.
• Apodized diffractive optics are designed to improve image quality while minimizing visual disturbances. The result is an increased range of quality vision that delivers a high level of spectacle freedom.

When is ReSTOR ® used?

The AcrySof ReSTOR ® Intraocular Lens is used in adult patients with and without presbyopia, who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses and contact lenses. It is FDA approved for use after cataract surgery.

What will ReSTOR ® be able to accomplish?

The AcrySof ReSTOR ® Intraocular Lens has been shown in a clinical study to provide good near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses.

When should ReSTOR ® not be used?

The following types of patients are not the best candidates for insertion of the AcrySof ReSTOR ® Apodized Diffractive Intraocular Lens:

• Patients that are hypercritical with unrealistic expectations
• Patients with excessive complaints about their prescription
• Patients who drive at night for a living or whose occupation or hobbies depend on good night vision
• Patients who are amateur or commercial airline pilots
• Patients who have life long complaints about glare
• Patients who are happy wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes

Who is a good candidate for the ReSTOR ® Intraocular Lens?

Virtually everyone who has cataracts and is in good general health may be candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.

People who have had prior laser eye surgery including LASIK, Custom LASIK, PRK, LASEK, Epi LASIK or any other corneal Laser Eye Surgery may be acceptable candidates for ReSTOR ® implantation as long as their eyes are in good health. After a thorough examination and consultation, your surgeon will be able to better advise you if you qualify for the ReSTOR ® implant.

ReZoom ™ Multifocal Intraocular Lens

The ReZoom ™ Multifocal Intraocular Lens is an option for the treatment of both cataracts and presbyopia. It is designed to provide patients multifunctional vision if they have a strong desire for greater independence from glasses or contacts. The ReZoom ™ Multifocal Lens has a patented lens design called Balanced View Optics ™ Technology. This lens design creates multiple focal points so patients can see well at a variety of distances, be it near, mid-distance, or far. 

The ReZoom ™ Multifocal Lens has carefully proportioned visual zones that provide it with the ability to provide patients with vision at varying distances. Each ReZoom ™ Multifocal Lens is divided into five different zones with each zone designed for different light and focal distances. Unlike other earlier multifocal lens designs, the ReZoom ™ Multifocal Lens has proportioned the size of its zones to provide for good vision in a range of light conditions. For instance, some zones have been designed to offer greater low light-distance vision during night driving whereas others provide better bright light-near vision for close vision activities.

If you have been diagnosed as having cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following vision problems, you may be a candidate for the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens:

• Difficulty reading

• Difficulty seeing close objects

• Difficulty seeing to drive, especially at night

• Changing glasses prescriptions

• Needing bifocals

Common Questions About the ReZoom ™ Multifocal Intraocular Lens

Will I still need to wear glasses if my surgeon recommends a ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens?

The results will vary depending upon your vision, lifestyle and the anatomy of your eyes. Most people find that they need glasses to read small type or drive at night. Most people, however, can go to the store or conduct many of their day's activities without depending on glasses.

How is the ReZoom ™ Multifocal Lens different from traditional single-vision intraocular lenses?

The ReZoom ™ IOL is a multifocal intraocular lens. Unlike traditional single-vision lens implants, the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens provides quality vision both at a distance and up close. Traditional single-vision lenses usually provide good vision only at a distance with limited ability to see objects that are near without glasses.

How does the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens replace the cataract?

The natural lens inside the eye is gently removed through a small micro-incision in the periphery of your eye's cornea. The cataract-impaired lens is then removed through this incision and the lens implant is inserted in its place to permanently replace it. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 45 minutes and vision is usually improved immediately.

How long after surgery until I see my best?

Like most procedures, this depends upon the overall health of your eye. For most people, vision is noticeably better immediately and continues to improve during the first few weeks after the procedure.

Does the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens require an adjustment period?

Yes. For most people there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to "see" up close and at a distance with the new lens. This adjustment period is usually complete within 6 to 12 weeks. Also, like all multifocal lenses, some people report halos or glare around lights. Again, for most people this diminishes over time. For some, it becomes less troublesome but never completely goes away. Most people report that the ability to see near and far outweighs any visual side effects associated with the lens.

Are there any risks of having the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens procedure?

Yes. With any surgical procedure there are risks. The biggest risk with any cataract procedure is infection. Less than one percent of patients having a lens implant procedure ever get an infection and most are treated successfully with medications. Infections, however, can cause a severe or total loss of vision.