ReSTOR
Introducing a breakthrough in vision surgery.
Now theres a revolutionary new way to potentially leave your glasses behind - introducing the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL), a breakthrough in vision surgery. AcrySof® ReSTOR® has been uniquely designed to improve vision at all distances - up close, far away and everything in-between - giving cataract patients their best chance ever to live free of glasses.
Incredible range of vision
For most patients, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL delivers excellent near and distance vision and good intermediate vision without reading glasses or bifocals. In fact, with this increase in vision quality, AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients would be able to pass the visual acuity portion of the drivers license exam in most states.
The ability to read quickly and easily
In an independently conducted study, AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients were tested to see how easily they could read paragraphs of decreasing font size, and their results were compared to patients with other IOLs. While only one of 13 patients with other IOLs could read small type (such as the newspaper), four of five AcrySof® ReSTOR® patients were still able to read small type quickly and easily.
Better vision for various lighting situations
The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL delivers quality vision for various lighting situations. In brightly lit conditions, the central apodized diffractive portion of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL sends light waves simultaneously to both near and distant focal points, while, in dimly lit conditions, the surrounding refractive area sends greater energy to distance vision. 1
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. However, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.
Apodized Diffractive
Apodization is the gradual tapering of the diffractive steps from the center to the outside edge of a lens to create a smooth transition of light between the distance, intermediate and near focal points. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. On the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, the center of the lens surface consists of an apodized diffractive optic. This means that the series of tiny steps in that center area work together to focus light for near through distance vision.
Refractive
Refraction involves the redirection of light passing through the lens, to focus on the retina. The refractive region of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL bends light as it passes through the lens to a focal point on the retina. This outer ring of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL surrounds the apodized diffractive region and is dedicated to focusing light for distance vision.
Here are some of the most common questions about the new AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL.
How is the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL different from monofocal lenses?
What is the difference in cost between a traditional monofocal lens and the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL?
Insurance policies vary, but Medicare, supplemental insurance, and private insurance will typically still cover the basic cataract surgery procedure with a conventional IOL. However, if you decide to have an AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL implanted, there may be an additional cost that is not covered by insurance or Medicare. You can elect to pay the difference for the added benefits of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL. You should ask someone at your doctors office, or your primary insurance provider, to explain your policy coverage.
- Vromen DT. AcrySof® ReSTOR® MA60D3 and SA60D3 IOLs and MA60BM monofocal IOL: comparison. Scientific poster and presentation presented at: ASCRS Symposium on Cataract, IOL and Refractive Surgery; April 2004, San Diego, Calif. Poster 679.
- FDA safety and efficacy data compared between the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL and the Array multifocal IOL.
