ReSTOR® Lens Implant for Cataracts

Question: Does a ReSTOR® lens implant in cataract surgery have significant adverse possible results that may warrant foregoing near and far capabilities it provides? My eye doctor says he under sells it due to increased cost that may not be covered by insurance.



AcrySOF ReSTOR Lens

 Answer: The AcrySof®ReSTOR® Lens Implant for Cataract Surgery is a Multifocal Lens Implant that is designed to provide a greater range of clarity after a cataract is removed so that patients can be less dependent or independent of eyeglasses for seeing near and far. Typically, when patients have a Monofocal Lens Implant they must wear glasses to see at arm's length and near after Cataract Surgery. All Lens Implants require excellent Cataract Surgery in order to get the best results. In addition, success with Multifocal Lens Implants require CAREFUL patient selection based on may factors including patient expectations and goals, sometimes pupil size, sometimes aberrations in the eye, a healthy and normal tear film and on and on. Multifocal Lens Implants are not like shoes where a consumer or patient asks a Cataract Surgeon for "black slip on's in a size 9 please". They require careful measurement and meticulous implantation. So the question of "significant adverse events" really dependents on the skill of the Cataract Surgeon and not solely on the Lens Implant. That said, Multifocal Lens Implants are very complex optical designs and it does take some time to fully adapt to the vision characteristics they provide. In addition, some designs may cause patients to see glare, haloes and other optical disturbances that typically diminish over time. It is not really up to the patient to ask for a ReSTOR® or any specific type of Multifocal Lens Implant but rather to express to their Cataract Surgeon their desire to be less dependent or independent of glasses after Cataract Surgeon and then let the cataract Surgeon which type of lens Implant will best suit that particular patient's vision and lifestyle needs.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.