AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL
Finally, the opportunity for freedom from reading glasses and bifocals.
Until recently, life without reading glasses or bifocals wasn't an option for most cataractCataract: A "clouding" of the lens in your eye. As light passes through the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scattered, resulting in blurred or defocused vision. patients. You now have that option. The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOLIntraocular lens (IOL): An artificial lens that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery to replace the eye's clouded crystalline lens. is a unique technological innovation that can provide you with enhanced image quality and a full range of vision – near, far and everywhere in-between – for increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals!
How does the AcrySof® IQ 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 in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout our range of vision is called accommodationAccommodation: The ability of the eye's natural lens to change shape to focus on objects at various distances.. Unfortunately, we begin to lose this ability as we grow older1, gradually becoming more and more dependent on bifocals or reading glasses.
Thankfully, by combining the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL can now provide quality near, intermediate and distance vision, and increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals. And now, with the addition of proven aspheric technology, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL takes the advancements one step further, for a lens with enhanced image quality and clarity.
Apodized Diffractive Technology
DiffractionDiffraction: The spreading of light that occurs when light passes through discontinuities (i.e., the steps or edges of a lens). In an optical system, light can be diffracted to form multiple focal points or images. involves the spreading of light as it passes through a lens. You'll notice that, on the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL, the center of the lens surface consists of a series of tiny rings – this is known as an apodized diffractive optic. ApodizationApodization: The gradual reduction or blending of varying diffractive step heights. The application of apodization to intraocular lenses is a patented process by Alcon and can only be found in the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL. is the gradual tapering of different diffractive levels (or "steps") on a lens, creating a smooth transition of light between distant, intermediate and near focal points. This means is that the series of tiny steps in the center of the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL work together to focus light, providing excellent nearNear vision: The range of vision that includes focal points 16 inches or closer to your eyes. Items that typically fall within this range include books, newspapers and medicine bottles. Also known as "reading vision.", intermediateIntermediate vision: The range of vision that includes focal points between 16 inches and 7 feet away from your eyes. Items that typically fall within this range include computer screens and car dashboards. and distance visionDistance vision: The range of vision that includes focal points 7 feet or further from your eyes. Items that typically fall within this range include billboards, street signs and movie screens..
Refractive Technology
RefractionRefraction: Redirection of light rays as they pass through a lens. involves the redirection of light as it passes through a lens. The outer ring of the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is a refractive region designed for excellent distance vision. This refractive area bends light as it passes through the lens, accurately focusing it on the retinaRetina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain. for a crisp, clear image.
Aspheric Technology
Even healthy eyes still contain some imperfections, or "aberrations." Spherical aberrationSpherical aberration: An irregularity in the shape of the lens. As the eye ages, the lens gets thicker and rounder, causing image quality to deteriorate. Often associated with loss of contrast sensitivity and poor night vision., a type of imperfection common to cataract patients, can eventually lead to a reduction in visual acuity and function. Thankfully, with the addition of a proven aspheric opticAspheric optic: A type of lens designed to compensate for spherical aberration, resulting in improved image quality., the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL can correct for these spherical aberrations, leading to enhanced clarity.
- Lee, Judith and Bailey, Gretchyn. Presbyopia. AllAboutVision.com. Access Media Group: 2004.
Glossary Terms
Roll over the bold purple text to view the definition. A full listing of terms is available in the glossary.