AcrySof®ReSTOR® Lens Implant-How Long To Adjust?

Question: On the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Lens apparently the light is alternating and can cause distress, or will take time to adjust. I am not sure what the experience is exactly and what to expect. Can you explain this for me? I don't mind if it takes time to adjust but again not sure about what the experience is.


Answer: What you are questioning is the process of “neuroadaptation.” Simply, throughout your life, the brain has learned to interpret the patterns of light that are transmitted through the optic nerve as “images”-and that is how you see. These interpretations of the patterns are learned. You may recall that sometimes when you received a new eyeglass prescription it may have taken time to “get used to”-this is neuroadaptation-your visual cortex learning to interpret light differently. Near vision presbyopia correcting intraocular lens implants (IOL) such as the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant and the Tecnis® Multifocal Lens Implant used to correct vision after Cataract Surgery rely on some type of sophisticated optical design to allow you to achieve “multifocal” vision-that is, clarity for seeing distance, arm’s length and near through one lens implant. These different optical designs achieve their effect by changing the way light is transmitted and thus the way images are interpreted. Patients who have these types of lenses implanted experience varying degrees of “neuroadaptation” –or “getting used to.” Typically with the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens, patients experience an immediate improvement in both their distance and near vision-but it may require a bit of concentration to seem perfectly natural. The more you use your vision the quicker you will experience a decrease in the concentration needed to experience the full range of vision. For some patients who are very “neuroplastic” it can take a few days or a week-for others it can take a couple of months. It does seem to get easier with increased use-even if it seems a bit difficult at first. In addition it is normal and expected to possibly see some glare and halos-this too diminishes and becomes unnoticeable over time. You should note however that the complete beneficial effects of near vision correcting lens implants and the total neuroadaptation process cannot be complete until you have Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation in BOTH eyes.
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