Laser ReSTOR® IOL FAQs
Do you have more questions about the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure, cataracts and presbyopia? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about laser ReSTOR.
What can I expect after the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure?
Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to be good the day following surgery, and to improve over the first dramatically over the next week and then month following your procedure. We recommend that both eyes be corrected close rogether, so they can heal together and you can adapt to your new visual system quicker and without any imbalance between your 2 eyes. The majority of our patients have both eyes corrected the same day. We check your progress at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month (required appointment) following the procedure, to ensure that your eyes are healing nicely and that your visual outcome is progressing as expected. We perform the procedures on Thursday morning, and most patients can resume normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days and most return to work on Monday.
After their procedure, the majority of Dr. Christenbury’s laser ReSTOR patients can read from 12 inches to 28 inches on the 20/20 or 20/25 line – which is the functional range for reading material and computer distance. Laser ReSTOR also corrects or maintains distance vision, since both a distance and near optic are part of the laser ReSTOR dual optic design.
How soon after the procedure will I be able to see at varying distances?
For most patients, their vision is good the very next day following the laser ReSTOR Procedure, and continues to improve over the following week. Most patients can drive and read after 2 days. Results are best when both eyes have laser ReSTOR lenses implanted at the same time or as close together as possible.
How many patients are 100% reading glasses and bifocals free after having this procedure?
In clinical trials for the laser ReSTOR Procedure, 80% of patients reported they NEVER needed any type of glasses / correction for any activity. Our patients are seeing even better results – 95% of Dr. Christenbury’s patients are free from reading glasses and bifocal for all but the very smallest print!
Who is a candidate for the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure?
Anyone who has a normal eye exam and is dependent on reading glasses or bifocals for their Presbyopia may be a candidate. Although laser ReSTOR® lenses are a breakthrough technology initially approved for cataract patients with or without Presbyopia, it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to qualify for the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure, just a desire to restore eyesight at a range of distances without corrective eyewear.
There are no known contraindications. However, based on the FDA clinical trials, Alcon, the lens manufacturer, has indicated the following types of patients should not have the AcrySof ReSTOR® Apodized Diffractive IOL:
• 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 commercial airline pilots or commercial night truck drivers
• Patients who have lifelong complaints about glare
• Patients who are happy wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes
When did ReSTOR receive FDA approval?
The AcrySof ReSTOR® received FDA-approval for cataracts with or without presbyopia on March 23, 2005. It has been approved for use in Europe since April 4, 2003.
How many people in the US have had the laser ReSTOR lens procedure?
laser ReSTOR is the same type of lens implant that Dr. Christenbury has been using in cataract surgery for many years. Dr. Christenbury has been performing lens implant surgery longer than LASIK surgery and has performed more than 5,000 multifocal lens implant procedures.
What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?
The greatest risk is infection, which is very rare. Patients receive several days of preoperative and postoperative antibiotics to minimize this risk. Statistically the amount of risk for the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure is not much different from LASIK Surgery. Lens implant surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US with more than 1 million lens implants each year.
Is the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens procedure a reversible procedure?
Once the natural lens is removed, it cannot be replaced. However, if one is over 40 with presbyopia and dependent on reading glasses or bifocal the lens is already not normal. It has lost its accommodation ability. If the patient desires, the laser ReSTOR® lens implant can be removed and replaced. In the US arm of the FDA Clinical Trials for laser ReSTOR, no patient requested removal of the lens because the benefit of a full range of vision outweighed their complaints of visual disturbances. The only medical indication for lens replacement is if the lens power needs to be changed to help distance vision. The laser ReSTOR lens implant need not to be replaced as one ages.
Is the laser ReSTOR multifocal lens more effective than other IOLs?
The laser ReSTOR® lens is not dependent on the movement of the lens but has a unique Apodized Diffractive optic that is new to IOL design. The optical design of the lens distributes light between near, intermediate and distance vision to accommodate vision at all ranges. This means you many no longer need reading glasses or bifocals to see clearly after the procedure.
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