AcrySof ReSTOR Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about ReSTOR lens implant.

What can I expect after the procedure?
Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to be good the day following surgery and vision improves gradually over the next few weeks.

How soon after the procedure will I be able to see at varying distances?
For most patients, near vision is good the next day, and both near and distance vision improves over the following weeks. Studies have shown that results are best when both eyes have ReSTOR lenses implanted. We usually wait 3-4 weeks between implants.

How many patients are 100% glasses free after having this procedure?
The results are very good. After having ReSTOR lenses implanted, 80% of patients say they never wear glasses. Nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?
Anyone who has a normal eye exam and is dependent on reading glasses or bifocals may be a candidate. Although ReSTOR lenses are a breakthrough technology initially approved for cataract patients with or without Presbyopia (inability to read close up after age 45), it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to qualify for the ReSTOR lens, 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 amateur or commercial airline pilots
• Patients who have lifelong complaints about glare and halos or are bothered by glare at night
• Patients who are happy wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes

When did ReSTOR receive FDA approval?
March 23, 2005. It has been approved for use in Europe since April 4, 2003.

How many people in the US have had the ReSTOR lens procedure?
During clinical trials, 566 people received the ReSTOR lens. However, ReSTOR is the same type of lens implant (acrylic lens) that Dr. Husain has been using in cataract surgery for many years in thousands of patients. Dr. Husain has been performing lens implant surgery longer than LASIK surgery. He is certified to implant this lens.

What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?
While very rare, the greatest risk in any surgery is infection. Patients receive several days of preoperative antibiotics and postoperative antibiotics to minimize this risk. Statistically the amount of risk for the ReSTOR lens implant procedure is not much different from LASIK Surgery. Lens implant surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US.

Is this a reversible procedure?
Once the natural lens is removed, it cannot be replaced. However, if one is over 40 and dependent on reading glasses or bifocal the lens is already not normal. It has lost its accommodation ability. If the patient desires, the ReSTOR lens implant can be removed and replaced. In the US arm of the FDA Clinical Trials for 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.

Is the ReSTOR lens more effective than other IOLs?
The ReSTOR lens is like two lenses in one. One refractive lens is for distance, and the other one, a diffractive lens, is for near. ReSTOR 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 vision and distant vision to accommodate vision at a range of distances. As in all lenses that allow distance and near vision, the compromise is that there is some glare and halo (rings around lights) noted by patients in dim light conditions. There is no such thing as a perfect lens implant but with ReSTOR the FDA results have been better than all previous multifocal implants.


Differences between the Premium Lens

How do I find out if I qualify as a candidate for the ReSTOR lens implant?
Please call our office to schedule an exam with one of our board certified doctors.  The best candidates will be those that have a strong desire to see well without glasses and have realistic expectations. Patients with ocular disease may not be good candidates for this implant. To find out if you are a candidate for this breakthrough in vision care and cataract surgery or simply for more information, please call us at 515-244-3937.


What To Expect After AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL Surgery

It is important that you do not evaluate your vision until you have had the procedure done in both eyes. It is very difficult for your brain to accept the difference in vision until both eyes adjust. Optimal results are achieved by having the AcrySof ® ReSTOR® IOL in both eyes. However, clinical studies also showed positive results with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens in one eye. For certain levels of astigmatism, it may be necessary to have another procedure to treat this condition following or during surgery. Clinical results showed that without glasses, the majority of patients achieved distance vision of 20/25 after surgery. You may initially see some glare and halos around lights early after surgery. This usually improves over the next few months. 5% of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients in the clinical trial experienced severe glare and halos. Your eye care physician will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens. 96% of the patients in the clinical trial would choose to have AcrySof® ReSTOR IOL implanted again.