The Cataract Clinic - Cataract Surgery in the UK, Eye Treatment specialists, Alcon Acrysof Restor Implants, Intraocular Lens.

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Through a new technological advance an implant for patients with cataract has become available which allows most people to be free of glasses after their cataract operation. It is called the Alcon Acrysof ReSTOR lens. Patients who have had this implant are able to see clearly at both distance and near without glasses. The advantage of this lens is that in those patients in whom it functions complete independence of spectacles is achieved. The lens has a series of ridges carefully placed on its surface.

When light from a near object catches the edge of one of these ridges it is focused on the retina. Light from far objects are focused on the retina in the usual way. So when the patient looks in the distance they can see sharply, and when they pick up something to read it is focused sharply too. Overall, the results show the 80% of patients who have this lens never use glasses for either near or distance vision.

These patients find this vision very convenient and the lens works best when implanted in each eye. It is important to remember that this lens does not give you the vision you had when you were 20 years old where everything was always in focus. The lens gives good distance and reading vision without glasses.

The Lens

The lens is manufactured by Alcon. Alcon is one of the leading eye care companies in the world. The material from which the lens is made is call Acrysof. To date over 17 million human eyes have had Acrysof lenses implanted with a perfect safety record. The ReSTOR lens also has a blue light blocking filter which some believe may protect the retina from light damage.

Disadvantages and Possible Risks

A small number of patients find that they can see better with pair of glasses. Some need glasses for reading only but the distance is clear without glasses. Intermediate distances such as computer screen are not sharply in focus so a weak pair of glasses are usually needed here. There can be a small and usually imperceptible reduction in contrast. Some patients have experienced haloes and glare about lights at night time.

The brain has to take some time to learn how to use this new vision. In most cases this happens within a fortnight or month.

Some patients have experienced haloes and glare about lights at night time. The brain has to take some time to learn how to use this new vision. In most cases this happens within a fortnight or month.