ReSTOR

ReSTOR Intraocular Lens (IOL)

For most southwest Louisiana and Texas cataract patients, life without reading glasses or bifocals is something they’ve either experienced before presbyopia or they just dreamed about for most of their lives. But today, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL is turning those dreams into reality with its revolutionary lens technology, which is designed to allow patients to see clearly at all distances without bifocals or reading glasses. Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical now provides its patients with ReSTOR IOL lenses for cataract treatment.

According to a clinical study, 80% of patients who received the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL reported no longer needing glasses or contact lenses for any activities. With the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL patients can work on the computer, drive a car or read a book– day or night – and participate in their favorite leisure activities with an increased freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Patients were so pleased with their vision, nearly 94% of patients said they would have the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL implanted again, should it be required.

Cataract Surgery

The Procedure

Cataract surgery at Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical is performed on an outpatient basis. Your eye will be treated with anesthetic prior to the procedure so you will feel little, if any, discomfort. A tiny incision will allow your surgeon  to break up or wash away the cloudy cataract. Once the cataract is removed, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL will be inserted through the same incision and set into its permanent position.

Post-Operative

After the procedure you will rest for a short while before returning home. Your doctor will typically examine your eye within 24 hours. Eye drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and aid in the healing process. For a few days, you may need to wear a protective shield, especially at night to prevent rubbing of the eye. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but most patients see well enough to return to most of their routine activities the day after surgery. Once both eyes have been treated, you will fully appreciate the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL and realize that your cataract was one thing you could definitely live without.

ReSTOR Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect after the procedure?

Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to be clearer and sharper the day following surgery.

How soon after the procedure will I be able to see at varying distances?

For most patients, near vision is clearer by the next day and improves over the following week. Results are best when both eyes have ReSTOR® lenses implanted.

How many patients are 100% glasses or contact lens free after having this procedure?

After having ReSTOR® lenses implanted, 80% of patients say they never wear glasses. Nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.

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 in technology initially approved for cataract patients with or without presbyopia, it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to qualify for the ReSTOR® lens; Simply a desire to restore eyesight at a range of distances without corrective eye wear.

There are no known contraindications; However, based on the FDA clinical trials, Alcon lens manufacturer has indicated the following types of patients should not have the AcrySof® ReSTOR® Apodized Diffractive IOL:

• Patients who 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 lifelong complaints about glare
• Patients who are happy wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes

When did ReSTOR® receive FDA approval?

March 23, 2005. It has been approved for use in Europe since April 4, 2003.

How many people in the US have had the ReSTOR® lens procedure?

During clinical trials, 566 people received the ReSTOR® lens. However, ReSTOR® is the same type of lens implant that Falgoust Eye Medical & Surgical has been using in cataract surgery for many years. Dr. Falgoust has been performing lens implant surgery longer than LASIK surgery.

What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?

The greatest risk is infection, which is very rare. Patients receive several days of preoperative 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 United States.

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 bifocals, 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 United States arm of the FDA Clinical Trials for ReSTOR®, no patient requested removal of the lens because the benefit of a full range of vision outweighed their complaints of visual disturbances. 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.