Cataract/Refractive Procedures
Accommodative IOL Surgery (ReStor® Lens, Crystalens®, Toric Lens)
Several new intraocular lenses, called accommodating multifocal IOLs, have been introduced in recent years that utilize advanced technology to achieve good distance and near vision without glasses. One such lens is the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens, a breakthrough lens that uses apodized diffractive technology (similar to technology used in telescopes and microscopes) to give patients a full range of vision - near through distance - and to reduce dependency on reading glasses or bifocals following cataract surgery. This means that many patients can read the text on items such as prescription bottles, magazines, newspapers and computer screens, while also providing the ability to see items at a distance free from glasses or bifocals.
In fact, clinical trials have demonstrated that four out of five patients never needed to wear reading glasses or bifocals after having cataract surgery with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens in both eyes. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens now also filters both UV and blue light.
How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?
As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances - up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL uses a patented diffractive optical design to divide light into two focal zones so that near and distance objects can both be seen without glasses. An impressive 80% of patients from the ReSTOR® FDA trial reported that they never wore glasses after the procedure. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in these intraocular lenses.
Multifocal IOLs have a slightly greater tendency to cause night vision complaints than other IOLs, so those who drive a great deal at night may wish to consider a different IOL. The vast majority of patients with these IOLs are not bothered by night vision complaints, however.
How does the Crystalens® accommodating lens work?
Crystalens® accommodating lens, unlike other lens technologies, uses 100% of the available light rays. Working in concert with the eye's natural muscle, Crystalens® "flexes" to accommodate near, intermediate and distance subjects. Just as the human lens uses the ciliary muscle to move the lens thus allowing a person to focus on the subject at hand, so does the Crystalens® work in a similar way. The lens rests back in the eye to accommodate distance vision, then gently flexes forward to accommodate intermediate vision, and then flexes further forward for near vision. This movement is enabled by a flexible hinge within the lens.
You may be a good candidate for the Crystalens® if (1) your eyes are healthy, (2) you have not had previous cataract surgery, (3) you have no major health problems, and/or (4) you've had a refractive procedure such as LASIK. Your physician will perform a thorough eye exam to determine if you are a candidate and will fully inform you of any increased risk of complication.
Toric Intraocular Lens
Individuals who are diagnosed with cataracts and suffer from astigmatism have available a recently developed option called the "Toric Intraocular Lens". Toric IOLs are designed to replace the clouded, diseased lens while also correcting for the astigmatism in the patient's eye. The first toric IOL available in the United States was FDA-approved in 1998 and since that time the technology has been steadily improved. The newest toric IOLs approved by the FDA in 2005 come in a full range of distance vision powers.
While the toric IOL does correct a cataract and severe astigmatism, many patients may still require the use of glasses for standard vision correction with astigmatism. In other words, the toric intraocular lens is not designed to correct the astigmatism with 100 percent certainty.
