In past years, intraocular lenses (IOLs) were monofocal, providing clear vision at only one distance. While they were better than a lens clouded by cataracts, those who had traditional IOLs implanted still wore glasses or contacts to use a computer or read. This was especially true if you were already suffering from presbyopia prior to having cataract surgery.
The newer multifocal and accommodating IOLs offer the ability for you to see more clearly at more than one distance without glasses or contacts. When the eye’s natural lens is removed, the eye’s ability to accommodate is also lost. The lens is the structure which changes its shape depending on how far away you are focusing. The three newer IOLs attempt to restore some of that accommodative ability, using three different technologies.
ReStor® (made by Alcon) is a multifocal IOL. It implements a design that responds to how large or small your eye's pupil is. By changing how much incoming light is bent (refracted), they provide clear near, intermediate and distance vision. Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are aspheric lenses that are flat near the edges, improving contrast sensitivity and night vision.
ReZoom™ (made by Advanced Medical Optics) is a multifocal IOL that distributes light over five different optical zones to provide clear near, intermediate and distance vision. A European study found that 93 percent of ReZoom recipients reported never or only occasionally needing glasses.
Crystalens® (made by Bausch & Lomb) is attached to the same little muscles which previously controlled the natural lens. It does not change its shape like the natural lens, but moves forward and back to mimic the effect of changed curvature. In studies conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, roughly 80 percent of those who received these lenses could see at or near 20/20 vision after four months.
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, but want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contacts, we offer these different IOLs to meet your needs. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation. At Horizon Eye Care our qualified doctors can answer your questions clearly.
