ReSTOR Lens

Understanding ReSTOR Lenses

Until recently, life without reading glasses or bifocals was not an option for most cataract patients. You now have an option - the AcrySof® ReSTOR® Intraocular lens (IOL).

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 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.

Apodized Diffractive

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.

Refractive

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.

The Results

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 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. Click here to read more about this amazing product on AcrySof's® website. Click here to go back to our services page.