CATARACT PATIENTS, YOU NOW HAVE A CHOICE!
This is exciting information you need to know! Until recently cataract surgery patients received monofocal lens implants. This meant you had a choice of correction for either far or near vision. Most patients opted for distance correction and they continued to wear glasses for near vision. Patients who had corneal astigmatism prior to getting an implant continued to have astigmatism after their surgery.
The good news is that today there are many options for implants that can increase your chances for a life free of dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The FDA has now approved several multifocal intraocular lens implants for use by certified ophthalmologists. Dr. Adler also performs limbal relaxing incisions in conjunction with implant surgery to reduce or eliminate astigmatism. Dr. Adler performs custom cataract surgery. That means he chooses a lens and surgical procedure tailored to your eye and lifestyle. Below are a few of the many implants Dr. Adler uses and the indications for thier use.
ReZoom – This implant offered by Advanced Medical Optics is its second generation multifocal implant and was approved in March 2005. In a European study of 215 patients, 93 percent of ReZoom recipients reported never or only occasionally needing glasses. This implant provides good vision for distance, intermediate and near vision. The statistics show this is the best implant for someone who requires better intermediate vision. This would be computer or arms length distance vision. Dr.Adler may also discuss the limbal relaxing incision in conjuction with this implant.
ReStor – This Acrysof implant uses apodized diffractive technology- a design that responds to how wide or small the eye’s pupil might be- to provide near, intermediate, and distance vision. It was approved for use in March 2005. According to the FDA studies 80 percent of people who received the lens didn’t use glasses for any activities after thier cataract surgery: 84 percent who received the lens in both eyes had distance vision of 20/25 or better, with near vision of 20/32 or better. The statistics also show this implant is best for patients who require good near vision for sewing, reading and other close hobby work. Dr. Adler also performs limbal relaxing incisions along with this implant.
It’s important to note that there is no guarantee of seeing well without eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery, even if your eyes have received multifocal implants. Some patients have experienced increased glare and halos, along with less color contrast and decrease in the sharpness of vision at certain distances. Dr. Adler must do a thorough eye examination and discuss all the risks and benefits associated with the type of implant and procedure you have chosen to determine if it’s the right one for you.