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Multifocal Lenses Following Cataract Surgery

Multifocal lenses provide patients with the ability to focus on objects near and far. These lenses are extremely effective at correcting blurred vision caused by cataracts.

Implantable multifocal lenses have proven to be a promising development in the treatment of cataracts. As the patient’s natural lens is surgically replaced with the multifocal lens, not only is the blurred vision that is caused by cataracts improved, but the lens also corrects the eye’s ability to focus on objects that are within close proximity as well as those that are farther away.

Tecnis Lens

Ophthalmologists recommend TECNIS multifocal lenses to patients who have cataracts and presbyopia. Because the lens operates independent of the eye’s muscles, the device is able to improve the patient’s vision without requiring mechanical movement. The surgically implantable lens provides excellent vision at varying distances similar to a wearable lens. Patients enjoy improved vision in all lighting conditions and generally no longer require glasses.

The best candidates for TECNIS tend to be patients who are 45 years of age and older and who would like to reduce their dependency on glasses. Virtually any patient whose eye exam is normal and requires bifocals or reading glasses may also be a candidate. While TECNIS was designed to treat cataract patients, having a cataract diagnosis is not necessarily a prerequisite to being a suitable candidate for the lens implant. Studies indicate that patients who receive a TECNIS multifocal implant in both eyes have a 90 percent chance of no longer being dependent on eyeglasses.

ReSTOR Lens

The innovative AcrySofReSTOR lens was developed to help combat problems with cataracts, astigmatism and presbyopia in patients. An Ophthalmologist will uses these lenses on patients having trouble focusing at varying distances, both near and far. Once the ReSTOR lens is in place it provides patients a new lease on life and in many cases allows them to get rid of their glasses. Clinical studies have shown that the convex ReSTOR lens has been successful in improving near, distant and intermediate vision and has curtailed the necessity for eyeglasses, contacts, bifocals and other types of lenses.

The difference between ReSTOR surgery and cataract surgery done in the traditional manner lies in the difference between the monofocal lens and the ReSTOR lens. The replacement lens used in cataract surgery improves the vision caused by the cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens but often the patient must still wear glasses to read. ReSTOR uses an apodized diffractive technology that distributes the light according to the patient’s focusing attempts and increases the depth of focus.

Patients suffering from cataracts, eyestrain or the inability to focus up close should consult with their eye doctor to learn if they have healthy enough corneas to undergo the ReSTOR procedure. An ophthalmologist should be able to diagnose the presbyopia condition in patients to determine if they are good candidates for the surgery. The presbyopia condition occurs when the eye loses its ability to focus on objects up close.

While the ReSTOR procedure may be a breakthrough solution for vision problems, it cannot be performed for patients who have already had cataract surgery in the past. Interested candidates should consult their ophthalmologist or eye care professional to discuss their best options for vision enhancement.