What is the ReSTOR Intraocular Lens?
AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® is the first and only IOL (intraocular lens) that uses apodized diffractive technology to provide cataract patients with and without presbyopia a quality range of vision. In clinical trials, 80 percent of patients reported “never” wearing reading glasses or bifocals following bilateral cataract surgery. The vast majority of patients who undergo cataract surgery today receive traditional IOLs, which typically require patients to use reading glasses or bifocals for near vision following surgery.

The AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® lens is a foldable IOL that represents breakthrough technology because of its unique, patented optic design, which allows patients to experience the highest level of freedom from glasses ever achieved in IOL clinical trials.

How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?
As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Accommodation is the ability of the eye's lens to change shape to focus on objects at various distances.

Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. However, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.

Apodization is the gradual reduction or blending of the diffractive step heights. The application of apodization to intraocular lenses is a patented process by Alcon and can only be found in the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL.

Diffraction is the spreading of light. Occurs when light passes through discontinuities (i.e. steps or edges). In an optical system, light can be diffracted to form multiple focal points or images.

Near vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 16 inches or closer to your eyes. This is also known as "reading vision." Items that typically fall within the near range of vision are books, newspapers, and medicine bottles.

Distance vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 7 feet or further from your eyes. Items that typically fall within the distance range of vision are billboards, street signs, and movie screens.

Refraction: Redirection of light rays as they pass through the lens.

Retina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.

The refractive region of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL bends light as it passes through the lens to a focal point on the retina. This outer ring of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL surrounds the apodized diffractive region and is dedicated to focusing light for distance vision.