Many patients can now reduce their need for glasses after their cataracts are removed, thanks to the latest generation of technology for cataract treatment. This is big news for the 50 percent of people over age 65 who have cataracts.
Standard cataract treatment involves removing the eye’s native lens, which has become clouded, and replacing it with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL). Conventional IOLs restore distance and intermediate vision, but most people still need reading glasses for close work. The ReSTOR lens, recently approved by Medicare, accommodates for all ranges of vision, significantly reducing the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Cleveland Clinic ophthalmologist Allen Roth, M.D., is one of the first specialists in Northeast Ohio to use the high-tech lens. "With the ReSTOR lens, as many as 80 to 90 percent of people will not need glasses at all," Dr. Roth says. "The remaining 10 to 20 percent will find their dependency on glasses much reduced."
With conventional IOLs, only 8 percent of people are glasses-free after cataract surgery.
ReSTOR lenses rely on an advanced technology for collecting and distributing light as it enters the eye.
"The ReSTOR lens is very appealing to patients with active lifestyles, who may still be working and can’t be bothered with glasses all the time," Dr. Roth says.
Medicare approval means that patients can have the ReSTOR lens implanted if they are willing to pay the difference in cost between a conventional IOL and the new lens.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 4/1/2006
