How the AcrySof ReSTOR Lens Procedure Works

Lens replacement with the AcrySof ReSTOR®the lens to the outer edge in concentric circles,
lens is done on an outpatient basis, and takes justcreating a smooth transition between distant to
a few hours, including recovery time. Theintermediate vision, and intermediate to near vision
AcrySof ReSTOR® lens procedure surgicallyzones. Accommodation is mimicked by way of
replaces your natural but clouded crystalline lensthese multiple focal points and the result is
with the ReSTOR lens, designed using apodizedfocused distant, intermediate, and near vision with
diffractive and refractive technologies.a single lens.
The AcrySof ReSTOR® Lens ProcedureRefraction
The most current advancement for cataractRefractive technology redirects light as it passes
treatment is small incision cataract surgery. Yourthrough the lens to the retina. This technology is
ophthalmologist will cut a small slit near the edgeapplied to the distance vision area located in the
of your cornea. During the AcrySof ReSTOR®outer ring of the AcrySof ReSTOR® lens. It
lens procedure a small tool through the slit that willsurrounds the apodized diffractive rings, blending
break up the lens tissue and vacuum it out. Hewith them, to complete the near to distant focal
inserts the AcrySof ReSTOR® lens through thetransition.
slit in a folded state. Once he has it in place, heNew Developments
unfolds it and implants it within the muscles thatAlcon has marketed the AcrySof ReSTOR®
control the crystalline lens.IOL since March 2005 when it was first approved
Apodized Diffractionby the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The AcrySof ReSTOR® is designed usingMillions of patients have enjoyed clear vision with
“apodized diffraction,” Alcon’sthis lens, and most haven’t needed to use
patented design which they define as, “Thereading glasses. To address the needs of patients
gradual reduction or blending of the diffractivewhose near vision is not as fully corrected as
step heights.” Diffraction occurs as the lightthey would like, Alcon’s improved version of
passes through these step heights, directing thethis lens was FDA approved in 2008. The new
light to multiple focal points associated withlens significantly improves near vision, but with
distance ranges.less emphasis on intermediate focal ranges.
The diffractive steps taper from the center of