AcrySof ReSTOR Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about ReSTOR, cataracts and presbyopia? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about ReSTOR.

What can I expect after the ReSTOR procedure?
Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to be good the day following surgery.

How soon after the procedure will I be able to see at varying distances?
For most patients, near vision is good the next day, and improves over the following week. Results are best when both eyes have ReSTOR lenses implanted.

How many patients are 100% reading glasses and bifocals free after having this procedure?
The results are very good. After having ReSTOR lenses implanted, nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.

Who is a candidate for the ReSTOR procedure?
Anyone who has a normal eye exam and is dependent on reading glasses or bifocals for their presbyopia may be a candidate. Although ReSTOR lenses are a breakthrough technology initially approved for cataract patients with or without presbyopia, it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to qualify for the ReSTOR lens, just a desire to restore eyesight at a range of distances without corrective eyewear.

There are no known contraindications. However, based on the FDA clinical trials, Alcon, the lens manufacturer, has indicated the following types of patients should not have the AcrySof ReSTOR Apodized Diffractive IOL:

• Patients that are hypercritical with unrealistic expectations
• Patients with excessive complaints about their prescription
• Patients who drive at night for a living or whose occupation or hobbies depend on good night vision
• Patients who are amateur or commercial airline pilots
• Patients who have lifelong complaints about glare
• Patients who are happy wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes

When did ReSTOR receive FDA approval?
The AcrySof ReSTOR received FDA-approval for cataracts with or without presbyopia on March 23, 2005. It has been approved for use in Europe since April 4, 2003.

How many people in the US have had the ReSTOR lens procedure?
During clinical trials, 566 people received the ReSTOR lens. However, ReSTOR is the same type of lens implant that Dr. Christenbury has been using in cataract surgery for many years. Dr. Christenbury has been performing lens implant surgery longer than LASIK surgery.

What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?
The greatest risk is infection, which is very rare. Patients receive several days of preoperative antibiotics to minimize this risk. Statistically the amount of risk for the ReSTOR lens implant procedure is not much different from LASIK Surgery. Lens implant surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US.

Is ReSTOR a reversible procedure?
Once the natural lens is removed, it cannot be replaced. However, if one is over 40 with presbyopia and dependent on reading glasses or bifocal the lens is already not normal. It has lost its accommodation ability. If the patient desires, the ReSTOR lens implant can be removed and replaced. In the US arm of the FDA Clinical Trials for ReSTOR, no patient requested removal of the lens because the benefit of a full range of vision outweighed their complaints of visual disturbances. The only medical indication for lens replacement is if the lens power needs to be changed to help distance vision.

Is the ReSTOR lens more effective than other IOLs?
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 but has a unique Apodized Diffractive optic that is new to IOL design. The optical design of the lens distributes light between near vision and distant vision to accommodate vision at a range of distances. This means you many no longer need reading glasses or bifocals to see clearly after the procedure.