The Multifocal IOL lens implants are also commonly called premium lens implants and are typically used in refractive lens exchange cases.

AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL)

ReSTOR Lens is a premium artificial lens that can restore a full range of vision without complete dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The FDA clinical studies identified that 80% of patients receiving the ReSTOR Lens no longer require glasses for any activity. This is a truly revolutionary lens that is a good option for patients that do not like the concept of monovision and would like to have a chance of eliminating glasses. If you have been told you are not an ideal patient for LASIK, the restor intraocular lens might be the next best option. Individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age are typically the best candidates for refractive lens exchange with the Restor lens. If you have both distance and reading issues or you require bifocals this might be a better complete vision solution than the much-respected LASIK eye surgery. Patients often think that they are LASIK patients but after understanding their complete visual picture it is easy to see that the restor provides a better option for independence from glasses.

How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) work?

Various activities require different types of focusing. Your eyes are constantly changing focus on objects based on distance and proximity. The ability of the eye to actually change focusing is called accommodation. As people get older the ability to accommodate changes and the ability to read becomes impaired. The end result is that patients require reading glasses and in some cases bifocals. The restor lens was specifically designed to correct this exact issue. The lens actually provides both good near vision and good distance vision. By utilizing the apodized diffractive the lens is capable of providing multifocal vision. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. On the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, the center of the lens surface consists of an apodized diffractive optic. This means that the series of tiny steps in that center area work together to focus light for near vision.
Source: Alcon Technologies Inc.

The benefit for refractive lens exchange patients is a high level of spectacle freedom. Alcon has patented the application of apodization technology to an IOL, making the AcrySof ReSTOR lens the first and only apodized diffractive IOL.

During U.S. clinical trials, the results with ReSTOR were remarkable:

• 80% of patients reported that after lens implant surgery with ReSTOR lenses, they no longer needed glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances.
• 94% said they could drive and read the paper without contacts or glasses.
• Nearly 94% were so satisfied that they would have the procedure again.