This procedure uses the same highly advanced technique practiced during routine cataract surgery. This accurate process involves the surgical removal of the clear, natural lens of the eye. It is then replaced with an artificial lens implant calculated specifically for the necessary amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness. This procedure is good for patients who do not qualify for laser surgery and those that want the added benefit of bifocal /multifocal vision without glasses. The surgeons at the Shepherd Eye Center perform more cataract procedures with artificial lens implantations than anyone else in Nevada and, therefore, have extensive experience to accurately recommend this procedure to those patients it will benefit the most. One of the greatest advantages with this surgery is our ability to use the latest high-tech lens implants providing multifocal vision. These lenses include the ReSTOR™, ReZoom™ and Crystalens™. This exciting advancement in lens technology allows patients to see both distance and near, even for those patients over the age of forty who might otherwise need bifocals or reading glasses. One added benefit: these patients will never need cataract surgery since the natural lens that turns cloudy with a cataract has already been removed!
How do the Multifocal IOL’S 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.
Specialty Intra-ocular Lenses Restor™
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 vision. Therefore, this is an excellent choice for patients that highly value or desire excellent reading vision without glasses.
ReZoom™
The ReZoom™ lens implant by Allergan is more of a distance dominant lens implant with gradual changes in circumferential rings that provide excellent distance and intermediate vision. This particular IOL is an excellent choice for patients who value distance driving vision and their ability to use the computer without glasses more than reading line print. In most cases, the person with the ReZoom™ IOL can still read large print but may need simple readers for the small print.
Crystalens™
Of all the multifocal lens implants the Crystalens™ is the only one that actually moves or changes position inside the eye in an effort to change the focal point. This type of lens is best for patients who want mostly distance vision with some amount of functional intermediate vision. Your surgeon will recommend which lens would be best for each patient’s individual needs.
