What is a cataract?
With aging, the lens may begin to gradually become “cloudy.” This condition is called a cataract. As the lens becomes cloudier, your vision becomes slowly more blurred.
What types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are available for cataract surgery?
During cataract surgery, the cataract lens is replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL). There are many different IOLs to choose from and Dr. Jovkar will discuss your options with you.
There are many different IOLs to choose from. In general, IOLs have two basic features. The optic portion is the round part of the IOL, which focuses an image. Two arm-like structures called haptics are attached to edge of the optic. The haptics help maintain the location of the IOL in the eye. The basic design allows for clear distance vision. Let’s look at the basic ideas behind a standard (monofocal) IOL and the ReSTOR® IOL.
A monofocal IOL is designed to provide clear distance vision. This means you will be able to see objects far away. However, you will most likely need glasses for reading and any type of “close” detailed work. Monofocal IOLs have been the standard implant used after a cataract is removed. Millions of monofocal IOLs have been successfully implanted providing cataract patients with clear distance vision. San Jose IOL
The Alcon AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL
The basic design allows for clear distance vision (watching children playing in the backyard). The center of the IOL also allows for near (reading) and intermediate (computer work) vision. You may therefore be more independent of glasses for daily tasks. As with many things, there may be a trade off. This possible decrease in use of glasses may come at the cost of losing some of the sharpness of your vision. Even with glasses, this loss of sharpness may become worse in dim light or fog. There may also be some visual side effects. These may include rings or circles around lights at night. You will get the full benefit of the ReSTOR® IOL when it is implanted in both eyes. Results from a clinical study showed that patients can see better for distance, near and intermediate vision with the ReSTOR® IOL implanted in both eyes compared to the ReSTOR® IOL implanted in just one eye.
How is the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL different from monofocal lenses?
Traditional IOLs are monofocal – that is, they only focus at one distance. As a result, after surgery, you’ll likely need to continue wearing glasses for either near or distance vision, and sometimes for both. The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL differs from traditional IOLs in that it is a multifocal lens that provides a full range of vision from near to far, decreasing your dependence on glasses at all distances.
How does the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL work?
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is divided into two main areas – a refractive outer ring that focuses light for distance vision, and a series of diffractive rings in the center of the lens that focus light for near and intermediate vision. Together, these areas provide you with multiple focal points, for excellent vision at all distances.
Dr. Jovkar will discuss the pros and cons of various intraocular lenses with you if you are a candidate for cataract surgery.