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 Artificial lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to replace natural lenses for patients with cataracts, presbyopia or severe refractive errors. that have been damaged by cloudy cataracts or presbyopia. Until recently, IOLs were only available to correct distance vision. These monofocal lenses helped improve distance vision after cataract surgery, but patients still needed glasses or contact lenses for near vision activities like reading and playing cards. Now, advancements in technology have produced multifocal IOLs that allow patients to see clearly at all distances -- near, far and many distances in between. Multifocal IOLs such as ReStor®, ReZoom™ and Crystalens™ preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients -- and patients seeking treatment for presbyopia alone -- can enjoy clear sight without relying on glasses. The procedure to replace a patient's natural lens with a multifocal IOL is the same as that used in cataract surgery.
This section contains information on the following lenses.
 Physicians have been using flexible IOLs for years to replace the eye's cloudy lens during cataract surgery and help patients enjoy clear vision again. The ReSTOR® lens improves upon the ordinary IOL by using apodized diffractive technology to provide a full range of focusing distances from near to far. A series of 12 gradual "step heights" of 0.2-1.3 microns each (thinner than a human hair and smaller than a red blood cell) in the center of the IOL create seamless focusing ability, while the peripheral refractive region helps to enhance distance vision. Using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, the ReSTOR® lens improves upon ordinary replacement lenses (IOLs) by providing comprehensive focusing capabilities so patients can see clearly in a range of lighting conditions and at all distances -- at noon or midnight, nearby or far away, and many distances in between. Up to 80% of patients who use the ReSTOR® lens don't need to rely on glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
The recently FDA-approved AcrySof ReSTOR® is a major breakthrough in intraocular lens technology that can restore the eyesight of youth after cataract surgery.
When an eye develops a cataract the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded. This cloudy lens is removed with surgery and replaced with an implant. The AcrySof ReSTOR® implant has a patented optic design using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, thus giving it the ability to focus light correctly on the retina for images at various distances. The result is a high level of glasses-free vision after cataract surgery.
The AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL is used in adult patients who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses following cataract surgery.
Clinical data demonstrates that AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL greatly reduces dependence on glasses or bifocals:
- 80% of patients reported that after lens implant surgery with ReSTOR lenses, they never needed glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances.
Results from a controlled clinical study of the AcrySof ReSTOR® IOL revealed that maximum visual performance is achieved when the lens is implanted in both eyes.
In addition, the quality of vision compared to wearing bifocals and/or trifocals is significantly improved. You'll have a full range of vision, without having to tilt your head to find that portion of your glasses that allows you to see clearly.
If you have cataracts, your doctor will discuss the benefits of this new technology with you during your next appointment.
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 Crystalens™ is a new cataract replacement lens (IOL) that works naturally with muscles in the eye to retain the eye’s ability to “accommodate” – shift focus between nearby and distant objects – after cataract surgery. With other IOLs, patients lose this ability and require corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike rigid lenses, the flexible silicone Crystalens features hinges that allow it to move with the eye’s muscles and accommodate seamlessly, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for vision correction.The Crystalens is implanted using the same, nearly risk-free cataract surgery techniques as with other IOLs.
Crystalens® IOLs offer many benefits over other replacement lenses. Some of these advantages are:
- Low incidence of glare, halos and night vision problems
- Sharp and crisp vision. Why? Because 100% of the light rays are available and distributed—when you need it
- A single image is sent to the back of the eye, unlike multifocal lenses that project several unfocused images at the same time that require the brain to "adjust" to the differences
- Clinical trials reported that 88.4% of patients implanted with the crystalens® in both eyes could see better at all distances than patients implanted with a standard IOL.
Most people with cataracts or who have had corneal refractive surgery and retained good eye health are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation, but those who have already had cataract surgery are not. People with eye health problems such as chronic infections or diabetes should check with their doctors about eligibility.
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 The ReZoom™ multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) helps patients focus clearly on objects at a range of distances and in varied light conditions, so they can be free of glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. Featuring a patented lens design called Balanced View Optics™ Technology ReZoom lens has five spherical segments with smooth transitions in between so the eyes focus seamlessly from one distance to the next. The center of the lens is optimized for bright light and distance vision, while the fourth zone supports near-vision in a variety of light conditions, and the outermost zone accommodates for low-light distance vision (such as when driving at night). The ReZoom is also specially designed to reduce internal reflections and minimize glare.
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Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism required making a series of small incisions (called LRIs) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football-shaped. Implanting toric IOLs often improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions, and also allows patients to enjoy a faster, more comfortable recovery.
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