Lens Replacement Surgery for Cataracts Featuring Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Artificial lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to replace natural lenses that have been damaged by cloudy cataracts or presbyopia. Until recently, IOLs were only available to correct distance vision. These monofocal lenses helped improve distance vision after cataract surgery, but patients still needed glasses or contact lenses for near vision activities like reading and playing cards. Now, advancements in technology have produced multifocal IOLs that allow patients to see clearly at all distances -- near, far and many distances in between.
Multifocal IOLs such as ReStor®, ReZoom™ and Crystalens™ preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients -- and patients seeking treatment for presbyopia alone -- can enjoy clear sight without relying on glasses.
The procedure to replace a patient's natural lens with a multifocal IOL is the same as that used in cataract surgery.
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Crystalens™
Crystalens™ is a new replacement lens (IOL) that works naturally with muscles in the eye to retain the eye's ability to "accommodate" –- to shift focus between nearby and distant objects. With older IOLs, patients lose this ability and require corrective eyewear to see clearly at near and intermediate distances.
Unlike rigid lenses, the flexible silicone Crystalens features innovative hinges that allow it to move with the eye's muscles and accommodate seamlessly, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for vision correction. Crystalens reduces the glare that can be associated with other replacement lens types. The Crystalens is implanted using the same, nearly risk-free cataract surgery techniques as with other IOLs.
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Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism required making a series of small incisions (called LRIs) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football-shaped. Implanting toric IOLs often improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions, and also allows patients to enjoy a faster, more comfortable recovery.
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Alcon AcrySof®
Our practice now uses AcrySof® Natural IOLs in cataract surgery. These state-of-the-art lenses not only block ultraviolet light like other IOLs but also filter blue light. Research suggests that blue light may contribute to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a progressive, irreversible disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness. Previously, patients lost the ability to filter blue light after cataract surgery, possibly increasing their risk for AMD. AcrySof lenses reduce this risk without affecting color perception or the ability to see in dim light.
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ReSTOR® Lens
 Using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, the ReSTOR® lens improves upon ordinary replacement lenses (IOLs) by providing comprehensive focusing capabilities so patients can see clearly in a range of lighting conditions and at all distances -- at noon or midnight, nearby or far away, and many distances in between.
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ReZoom™ Lens
The ReZoom™ multifocal IOL helps patients focus clearly on objects at a range of distances and in varied light conditions. Featuring a patented lens design called Balanced View Optics™ Technology, the ReZoom lens has five spherical segments with smooth transitions in between so the eyes focus seamlessly from one distance to the next. The center of the lens is optimized for bright light and distance vision, while the fourth zone supports near-vision in a variety of light conditions, and the outermost zone accommodates for low-light distance vision (such as when driving at night). The ReZoom is also specially designed to reduce internal reflections and minimize glare.
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