Entirely Unique:

The ReSTOR Lens Design

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. 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, intermediate 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 through distance vision. Refractive involves the redirection of light passing through the lens, to focus on the retina. 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. It delivers consistent high-quality accommodative-like vision across the entire visual spectrum. This is due to its unique, proprietary and innovative optics. 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. This light distribution design is called apodized diffractive optics.

Highest Quality Results

Previous attempts using various multifocal lenses often resulted in haloes and significantly reduced contrast sensitivity in low light conditions. These issues are no longer a problem 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 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, 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 independent of 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, intermediate, 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.

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.

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