Acrysof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lenses

Acrysof® ReSTOR® intraocular lenses (IOLs) provide patients seeking an implant lens with the ability to see at all distances. Learn more about how the ReSTOR® implant lens works, as well as the risks and benefits of this intraocular lens implant.

Advanced Intraocular Lenses

Advanced intraocular lenses, including ReSTOR® lenses by AcrySof®, have revolutionized cataract lens replacement surgery, dramatically reducing or eliminating the need for prescription glasses after the procedure.

Intraocular lenses have been used successfully for years to replace cataractous natural lenses that have become sufficiently opaque to interfere with good vision. Standard intraocular lenses, the only choice until recently, are monofocal, meaning they only focus at one vision range. Distance vision is normally chosen, since it actually covers the longest range. Near and middle vision correction is achieved with glasses - either bifocals or trifocals.

Today, AcrySof® ReSTOR® advanced intraocular lenses are giving cataract patients good vision at all ranges: near, middle, and distant. With these multifocal lenses, many patients don't need glasses for most activities, and, for those times when they do need them, their glasses require a much milder prescription than with monofocal lenses.

How does the ReSTOR® implant lens work?

The ReSTOR® (IOL) implant lens represents a new application of a lens design that has been used for years to improve the efficiency of optical devices from lighthouse lamps and stage lights to telescopes and microscopes. Instead of a flat surface, the ReSTOR® implant lens has a multi-tiered surface rising in concentric rings from the edge to the center. This proven design both transmits and gathers light evenly over a full range of distances. In the ReSTOR® implant lens, the thin outer edge focuses images from distant sources, the thicker center focuses near images, and the steps between focus on ranges between the two extremes.

ReSTOR® IOL Benefits and Risks

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) offers most patients the benefit of life without glasses. In a clinical study, 80 percent of patients who received the ReSTOR® IOL in both eyes reported that they didn't need glasses after the surgery. Only about 10 percent of patients with monofocal lenses report the same result. Most patients who do need glasses will benefit from a milder prescription, resulting in glasses that are noticeably lighter. Chances are they will need their glasses much less often than users of monofocal IOLs.

Find a ReSTOR® Specialist in Your Area

If you need cataract surgery and want to live without glasses or dramatically reduce your need for them, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) might be right for you. The best way to find out is to use the DocShop directory to find a ReSTOR® specialist in your area.