Complete Vision Solution with AcrySof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens - Freedom From Glasses

Dr. Epitropoulos is proud to offer a new solution to your vision needs. Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implants are among the latest and most promising developments in vision correction.

Dr Alice Epitropoulos was the first in Columbus to use the ReSTOR® intraocular lens. This is a specialized implant that can be inserted during cataract surgery to help patients to see near, intermediate and far distances without glasses or contacts.

It's a huge evolutionary step. Many of us want to have the luxury of being glasses- or contact lens-free, and we are very rapidly moving toward that. Reducing the need for reading glasses after cataract removal, without compromising distance vision, has been a goal of ophthalmology for many years. Until now, the vast majority of patients who undergo cataract surgery received a monofocal IOL, which typically requires them to carry around reading glasses so they can read a newspaper or menu or do other things that require close vision.

As with any new technology, you may have questions regarding these new advances. Below Dr. Epitropoulos has provided information to assist you in your decision making process.

How AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL Works
Freedom from Glasses
Candidates for Multifocal Lens Implants
AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL Clinical Results
Cataract Surgery - What to Expect
Exploring IOL Options
Paying for Cataract Surgery
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How It Works

Your eyes are naturally designed to view both close-up and distant objects. Unfortunately, age and cataracts may reduce your ability to see at varying distances, forcing you to depend on reading glasses or bifocals. The multifocal ReSTOR® lens design allows you to view objects at multiple distances from distant to near.

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL's design combines the strengths of both apodized diffractive and refractive technologies. In simpler terms, the ReSTOR® lens was developed with varying "steps" within the lens, with focal points blended to allow you to see at various distances. The IOL was also developed to bend light entering your eye, redirecting it to the retina. This feature focuses light for better distance vision.

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Freedom from Glasses

Before the development of multifocal intraocular lenses, only monofocal lens implants were available for cataract surgery. These lenses were usually adjusted to correct distance vision, but most patients were still dependent on glasses to see near objects.

The technology used in the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was developed to correct both near and distance vision. After having ReSTOR® intraocular lenses implanted in both eyes, 80 percent of patients never had to wear glasses again. Only about 8 percent of monofocal implant patients reported the same result.

To start your journey towards freedom from glasses and to learn more about ReSTOR® IOL cataract surgery, contact Dr. Epitropoulos at the Refractive Center of Ohio, a division of Ophthalmic Surgeons and Consultants of Ohio.

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Candidates for Multifocal Lens Implants

You are a good candidate for multifocal lens implants if you need to have a cataract removed, have otherwise healthy eyes, and desire freedom from glasses and contacts for both near and far vision.

Virtually everyone who has cataracts and is in good general health may be a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.

If you've already had cataract surgery, you're not a candidate for the ReSTOR® procedure but you may be in the near future.

To determine if you are a good candidate for ReSTOR® IOL cataract surgery, contact Dr. Epitropoulos at the Refractive Center of Ohio, a division of Ophthalmic Surgeons and Consultants of Ohio.

Clinical Results

The technology behind ReSTOR® IOL implant surgery allows for consistently excellent results. Since each patient is different and surgical circumstances may vary, perfect results cannot be guaranteed.

Clinical trials offer an unbiased, realistic view of the implant surgery results. In clinical trials for AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, the following results were produced:

• Four out of five clinical trial subjects no longer needed to use corrective lenses after their cataract surgery with ReSTOR® IOL implants. Only one in ten monofocal lens patients achieved the same result.
• 94 percent of the ReSTOR® lens patients in the study were so satisfied with the results that they stated they would choose to have ReSTOR® IOLs implanted again.
• 81 percent of trial patients had no dependency on glasses to see near objects after their ReSTOR® IOL surgery.
• 92 percent of ReSTOR® IOL study subjects did not need glasses for distance vision after the procedure.

To discuss your vision needs and how the ReSTOR® IOL implant may help you, contact Dr. Epitropoulos for an eye examination.

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Cataract Surgery

Through a comprehensive eye examination, Dr. Epitropoulos can determine if you have a cataract. If a cataract is found in one or both eyes, Dr. Epitropoulos will discuss the need for its removal.

The first step in overcoming any fear regarding the surgery is information. According to the National Eye Institute, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful forms of surgery.

Below Dr. Epitropoulos has provided information so you will know what to expect before, during, and after cataract surgery.

Preparing for the Surgery

Once you and Dr. Epitropoulos decide that cataract surgery is the best option for you and schedule a date for the procedure, she will assess the proper type and strength needed for your IOL. This will ensure that the IOL implanted during surgery is the right one for your needs. Dr. Epitropoulos will discuss the process of the surgery to make sure that you are comfortable with the procedure prior to your surgery.

During the Surgery

On the day of your outpatient cataract surgery, your eyes will be treated with eye drops and anesthetic. This treatment will help to minimize any discomfort during the surgery.

In order to remove your cloudy lens, a small incision is made and the cataract is removed using ultrasound. Once the cloudy lens is gone, Dr. Epitropoulos will replace it with an intraocular lens. Because of the size of the incision, stitches are rarely needed.

Benefits of Topical Anesthesia and Clear Cornea Incisions

More rapid recovery is a reality with topical anesthesia and clear corneal incisions. In many cases, patients can return to daily activities much faster.

Using anesthesia in the form of drops instead of an injection avoids the temporary swelling and skin discoloration that may occur with a needle injection. Also, the drops remove the risk of puncturing blood vessels, nerves, or muscles with a needle.

After the Surgery

After a short period of rest, you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Dr. Epitropoulos will prescribe drops that will help prevent infection and aid in the healing process. You will return to our office within 24 hours of surgery for a follow-up appointment, during which Dr. Epitropoulos will evaluate how your eyes are responding to your new IOL implants. A clear shield may need to be worn over your eyes for several days, especially at night, so you do not rub your eyes.

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Exploring IOL Choices

The first intraocular lens implant surgery was performed in 1949.

Dr. Epitropoulos understands that each patient has unique vision needs. While she is proud to offer the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, she is aware that you may desire to have a monofocal intraocular lens implanted. Because she is devoted to serving your individual needs, Dr. Epitropoulos wants you to have all of the facts when considering which intraocular lens is best suited to your case.

If you want to restore both your distance and near vision and finally be free from dependency on glasses or contacts, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may be the right choice for you. With 80 percent of trial participants no longer needing their glasses, ReSTOR® is an ideal solution for many patients. There is, however, a possible side effect of the ReSTOR® lens. The clinical trial discovered that 5 percent of the patients had difficulty with halos (rings around lights), and another 5 percent had issues with glare. Less than 2 percent of the monofocal IOL patients reported the same symptoms. While some patients become used to the halos and glare and stop noticing them, you may remain sensitive to these disturbances in your vision long after the surgery.

Monofocal lenses do not provide correction for the full range of vision; however, they may be the right choice for you. Discuss your visual needs with Dr. Epitropoulos to determine the best intraocular lens for your lifestyle.

Potential Risks and Warnings

All surgeries have some inherent risks. Cataract surgery is no different. Common minor side effects include redness in the eye and a change in your sensitivity to light. As mentioned above, there is a small risk of halos or glare. There is also a chance you could also experience doubling or ghosting of vision or difficulty seeing in low light situations.

In rare situations, the surgery may result in a deterioration of your vision. In most cases this is caused by an infection or bleeding in your eye. Dr Epitropoulos will review these risks with you in more detail during your examination.

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Paying for Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery with a traditional monofocal implant is covered by most insurance carriers. You may be responsible for a co pay or deductible.

Medicare Coverage

In May of 2005, there was a ruling that allowed Medicare beneficiaries who needed cataract surgery to select a multifocal IOL that reduced spectacle dependence. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL qualifies under this ruling. Patients can now choose to have this upgraded option at an additional fee.

Private Insurance

Insurance providers will allow patients to undergo cataract surgery with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens. Similar to the Medicare policy, patients can choose to upgrade to a multifocal IOL for an additional fee.

Financing

For patients whose surgery is not covered, vision procedure financing is available through Capital One® Healthcare Finance. For more information on this option, contact the Refractive Center of Ohio.

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Answers to ReSTOR® IOL Questions

Dr. Epitropoulos understands you may have questions about cataract surgery and the latest advancement in multifocal implant technology. Please refer to the FAQ's page or contact Dr. Epitropoulos. She would be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your vision needs.

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Contact Us Today

For more information about your refractive options, please contact the office of Dr. Alice Epitropoulos via email or by calling 866-906-7763.

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