Restor Lens

FDA Clinical Trials Show 80% of Patients Are Spectacle FREE after surgery.

The AcrySof ReSTOR lens is a foldable IOL that represents breakthrough technology because of its unique, patented optic design, which allows patients to experience the highest level of freedom from glasses ever achieved in IOL clinical trials.

The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL uses a combination of three complementary technologies: apodization, diffraction and refraction, to allow patients to experience a full range of high-quality vision without the need for reading glasses or bifocals. This range of vision without glasses is achieved through the optical properties of the IOL.

The benefit for patients is a high level of spectacle freedom. Alcon has patented the application of apodization technology to an IOL, making the AcrySof ReSTOR lens the first and only apodized diffractive IOL.

During U.S. clinical trials, the results with ReSTOR were remarkable:

• 80% of patients reported that after lens implant surgery with ReSTOR lenses, they no longer needed glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances.
• 94% said they could drive and read the paper without contacts or glasses.
• Nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.

Finally, the opportunity for freedom from reading glasses and bifocals.

Until recently, life without reading glasses or bifocals was not an option for most cataract patients. You now have an option! The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is a unique technological innovation that can provide you with quality vision throughout the entire visual spectrum near through distance with increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals!

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 and distance vision by combining the strength 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.

Apodization and Diffraction

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.

Refraction

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.

How Will You See? Vision for your everyday life

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 driver’s 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 out 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.

Here at West Boca Eye Center, the doctors have significant experience with the ReSTOR lens, and have seen excellent results. Ask Drs. Bellotte if you are a good candidate for the ReSTOR IOL.

Clinical Results

Finally, quality vision and true freedom from glasses for 80% of patients

During the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL clinical studies, patients experienced lifestyle enhancement through quality vision, and greater freedom from reading glasses and bifocals. In fact, according to the AcrySof® ReSTOR® clinical studies, four out of five patients with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL reported never wearing glasses following cataract surgery in both eyes, compared to only 1 out of 10 patients with monofocal lenses. This is the highest level of freedom from glasses ever demonstrated in an IOL clinical trial.

Additionally, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® clinical studies indicated that nearly 94% of the study subjects were so satisfied with their new quality vision that they would have the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL implanted again.

Making your Decision

Exploring a world of IOL choices

If freedom from glasses is your desired outcome, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may be your best choice. This lens gives you the best possibility to have distance vision, in addition to the ability to read and perform close-up tasks, without the need for glasses. However, results of the clinical trials indicated that there is a slightly greater chance of having difficulty with halos or rings around lights (five out of 100) and glare (five out of 100), as compared to a monofocal IOL (one or two out of 100). Over time, some people grow accustomed to these disturbances and cease to notice them, while others may continue to see them long after surgery.

Although not all IOLs provide the full range of vision, there are cases when a monofocal lens offers more desirable outcomes for certain patients. For these situations, Alcon offers the AcrySof® IQ IOL. Both the AcrySof® IQ IOL and the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL can restore your vision following cataract surgery. Discuss your lifestyle and visual needs with your eye doctor to determine which lens is right for you.

Potential Risks

As with any surgical procedure there are inherent risks, and your results cannot be guaranteed. Your doctor will provide you with more detailed information about the potential risks and benefits to help decide whether cataract surgery and the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is right for you. For additional details, please refer to the Patient Information Booklet.

Warnings

You may have some visual effects when several images are being focused at the same time. These may include rings or circles around lights at night.

You may have some difficulty in your ability to distinguish an object from a dark background. This may be more noticeable in areas with less light. Therefore, you should take extra care when driving at night.

Your eye doctor should consider the following points before implanting the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL:

• To achieve your best vision after cataract surgery, your doctor must determine the lens power best suited for your needs.
• The front surface of your eye may be irregular in shape (astigmatism) before and after cataract surgery. The amount of astigmatism you have may affect your results after surgery.

Cataract Surgery Costs

Medicare coverage

In May of 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a ruling allowing Medicare beneficiaries undergoing cataract surgery to choose, at an added fee, a presbyopia-correcting IOL that provides distance, intermediate and near vision with reduced spectacle dependence. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL qualifies under this ruling.

Under the new policy, Medicare will continue existing reimbursement amounts for cataract surgery, and patients may elect to pay additional charges for advanced technology lenses such as the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL. Talk to someone at your doctor’s office to discuss your Medicare options.

back to top

Private insurance

Insurance policies vary, but most private insurance companies cover cataract surgeries involving a conventional IOL. Some insurance companies are following the lead of Medicare and offering patients the choice to pay for the additional costs associated with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL.

You should talk with someone at your doctor’s office, or your primary insurance provider about what is covered under your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract Surgery

How is the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL different from monofocal lenses?

Monofocal IOLs focus at only one distance, meaning that you will likely need glasses following surgery either for distance or near, and sometimes for both. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL differs from regular monofocal IOLs in that it focuses at distance and near, decreasing your dependency on glasses at all distances.

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 doctor’s office, or your primary insurance provider, to explain your policy coverage