Artificial lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to replace natural lenses for patients with cataracts, presbyopia or severe refractive errors. Until recently, IOLs were only available to correct distance vision. These monofocal lenses helped improve distance vision after cataract surgery, but patients still needed glasses or contact lenses for near vision activities like reading and playing cards. Now, advancements in technology have produced multifocal IOLs that allow patients to see clearly at all distances -- near, far and many distances in between. Multifocal IOLs such as ReStor® and ReZoom™ preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients -- and patients seeking treatment for refractive errors alone -- can enjoy clear sight without relying on glasses. Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with pre-existing astigmatism and are used instead of, or in addition to, limbal-relaxing incisions.

Clear Lens Extraction replaces the natural lens with a multifocal IOL for patients wishing to correct high farsightedness, high nearsightedness or presbyopia without undergoing a corneal modification procedure such as LASIK.

If you have been diagnosed as having cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following vision problems, you may be a candidate for a multifocal IOL:

Using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, the ReSTOR® lens improves upon ordinary replacement lenses (IOLs) by providing comprehensive focusing capabilities so patients can see clearly in a range of lighting conditions and at all distances -- at noon or midnight, nearby or far away, and many distances in between. Up to 80% of patients who use the ReSTOR® lens don't need to rely on glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

The ReZoom™ multifocal IOL helps patients focus clearly on objects at a range of distances and in varied light conditions. Featuring a patented lens design called Balanced View Optics™ Technology, the ReZoom lens has five spherical segments with smooth transitions in between so the eyes focus seamlessly from one distance to the next. The center of the lens is optimized for bright light and distance vision, while the fourth zone supports near-vision in a variety of light conditions, and the outermost zone accommodates for low-light distance vision (such as when driving at night). The ReZoom is also specially designed to reduce internal reflections and minimize glare.

Limbal-relaxing Incisions (LRI)

Patients with astigmatism who are undergoing cataract surgery can choose to have limbal-relaxing incisions made to reduce their dependence on glasses for clear vision. Limbal-relaxing incisions are tiny cuts made around the edge of the cornea, called the limbus. These incisions "relax" the cornea's steep curvature and improve the way the eye focuses light. Limbal-relaxing incisions have been shown to heal faster and cause fewer side effects than other astigmatic keratotomy (AK) procedures.

Some people with astigmatism and cataracts may benefit from the implantation of toric IOLs instead of, or in addition to, limbal-relaxing incisions. Specially designed for patients with pre-existing astigmatism, toric lenses improve vision from cataracts and astigmatism at the same time. Patients enjoy a quick recovery.

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)

Clear lens extraction replaces the natural lens with a multifocal IOL for patients wishing to correct high farsightedness, high nearsightedness or presbyopia without undergoing a corneal modification procedure such as LASIK. The procedure is the same as that used in cataract surgery; the only difference is that CLE is performed to achieve refractive correction rather than cataract removal. CLE has a low risk of side effects, involves a rapid recovery, and offers patients dramatic improvement in vision quality. After surgery, patients enjoy clearer vision and greater focusing power.
You may be a candidate for clear lens extraction if you: