ACRYSOF RESTOR IOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have more questions about ReSTOR ? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
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. Often patients are 20/40 or better the next day and can usually drive with in a couple days. Your vision will continue to improve dramatically over the next week until you can see clearly at all ranges.
How soon after the procedure will I see at varying distances?
For most patients, near vision is good the next day, and improves over the following week. Clinical data suggests that results are best when both eyes have ReSTOR lenses implanted.
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% said they would have the lens again. Some patients may need a little correction for computer work, but can usually work on a laptop without glasses.
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, 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 possibly 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 life-long complaints about glare
- Patients who are happy wearing glasses
- Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes
When did ReSTOR receive FDA approval?
March 21, 2005. It has been approved for use in Europe since April 4, 2003.
How many people in the U.S. have had the ReSTOR lens procedure?
During clinical trials, over 566 people had the ReSTOR lens implanted. However, ReSTOR is the same type of lens implant and has the same type of material that has been used in cataract surgery for nearly 20 years.
What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?
The greatest risk is infection, which is very rare. Patients receive several days of pre-operative 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 U.S.
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 trails no ReSTOR patient has requested removal of the lens. 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.
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