Cataract Eye Sugery

in Visalia, Fresno and Tulare, California

ReSTOR Intraocular Lenses (IOL)

During cataract eye surgery, the lens clouded by cataracts is removed. In the past, patients would be given thick, heavy prescription glasses following surgery in order to compensate for the missing lenses. Unlike the natural lens of the eye, glasses do not focus or accommodate, so mono or bi-focal lenses were required.

Thanks to vast improvements in surgical ophthalmologic treatment, there are other options. Intraocular lenses (IOL) are often used to replace the natural lenses of the eyes once the natural crystalline lenses are removed. There are several types of IOLs on the market today, and several of them allow your eye to accommodate to seeing at different distances. Based on your vision correction needs, Dr. Sunalp will help you determine which IOL is right for you.

Indications

• Cataracts
• Presbyopia
• Not concerned with possible decrease in night vision

Traditional IOLs are monofocal, meaning that they only correct one type of vision, nearsightedness, or farsightendness, not both. While better than the cloudy lens removed in cataract surgery, the monofocal lens still required a pair of glasses or contacts to perform daily activities.

New IOLs like ReSTOR actually help with both types of vision. The technology used in the lens is called apodized diffractive, which is the same technology used in telescopic and microscopic lenses. Working in conjunction with your pupil, the apodization creates a smooth transition of the diffractive value of the lens, allowing for both near and far focusing, as well as points in between.

Most patients experience good near and distance vision and would be able to pass most state driver's license eye exams without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

Procedure

If performed during cataract eye surgery, the cloudy lens is broken up with the use of lasers and removed from the eye. In the space vacated by the natural lens of the eye, Dr. Sunalp places the new IOL.

The lens replacement only takes a few hours, and both eyes can be corrected, one at a time. Since the procedure is performed with local anesthesia, you can return to normal activities almost immediately although 1 or 2 days rest is recommended.

Complications

• Infection
• Halos
• Minor irritation

Depending on the specifics of your situation, other IOLs like ReZoom and Crystalens may work better for your vision goals. Dr. Sunalp will discuss the differences between the lenses and help you decide which is best for you.

To determine whether you are a good candidate for a ReSTOR Intraocular lens replacement, it is important to find a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in vision correction, like Dr. Murad Sunalp. Please contact Dr. Sunalp for more information and an initial consultation.

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