The
Alcon AcrySof ReSTOR Lens —
Entirely Unique:
The ReSTOR's Design
The ReSTOR lens is like two lenses in one. One refractive lens is for
distance vision, and the other one, a diffractive lens, is for both
distance and near vision. ReSTOR is not dependent on the movement of
the lens. Instead, it has a unique apodized diffractive optic that is
new to IOL design. This optical design of the lens distributes light
between near vision and distant vision to accommodate vision at a range
of distances. While a perfect intraocular lens has yet to be developed,
the FDA results for the ReSTOR lens have been better than all previous
multifocal implants.
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 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 and distance vision.
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.
Breakthrough Technology
The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL represents breakthrough technology because it
treats the refractive problem of presbyopia. The ReSTOR lens uses
a new strategy for collecting and distributing light that doesn't rely
on the ciliary muscle, the muscle that controls the flexing of the inside
lens, which looses its effectiveness with age.
Other accommodative-type intraocular lenses produce vision at various
ranges by depending on the action of the eye's muscles to produce accommodation.
However, the ReSTOR lens provides different ranges of vision based on
a lens configuration that enables specific distribution of light in
response to how wide or small the eye's pupil might be.
Highest Quality Results
Previous attempts using various multifocal lenses often resulted in
haloes and significantly reduced contrast sensitivity in low light conditions.
These issues have been significantly improved with the ReSTOR lens.
As well, unlike the blended vision monofocal implant option; there is
no loss of depth perception. Reading ability, even for fine print, is
typically markedly improved with the ReSTOR.
Medicare Approved!
Medicare has announced revisions to some of its payment guidelines,
allowing patients covered for cataract surgery to choose the ReSTOR
lens at an added fee. Previous Medicare payment rules did not allow
patients to choose this lens, which is significant since the lens was
specifically designed for this age group.
The ReSTOR lens and the care associated with the surgery to implant
it treats the non-covered refractive diagnosis of presbyopia. For the
first time, Medicare is now allowing patients to choose this elective
refractive service. Patients with cataracts will still have their basic
surgery covered by Medicare and/or insurance (minus any applicable co-pays
or deductibles), plus they may elect to pay out of pocket for the upgrade
of the ReSTOR lens and presbyopia treatment.
Refractive lens exchange, surgery patients without cataract who wish
to be less dependent on glasses, would be responsible for the whole
fee as usual.
Alcon's AcrySof ReSTOR Lens Is FDA-Approved:
This new artificial lens, which often can restore sight at near and
distant ranges following cataract surgery, has received United
States Food and Drug Administration approval. The clinical studies supporting
its approval showed that 80 percent of patients who received
the AcrySof ReSTOR lens did not use glasses for any activities after
cataract surgery. Only
8% of standard monofocal IOL patients were free from glasses
in the FDA study, indicating that patients who choose the ReSTOR lens
have significantly better odds at achieving glasses independence.
Although the ReSTOR implant is new to the United States, it has had
the CE Mark in Europe (highest certification in Europe, a designation
similar to UL – underwriters labs - in the United States) and
there are many thousands already implanted worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions, next page —>
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How
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