Lens provides distance, near vision with few early postoperative complaints

The ReSTOR lens is a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic lens that has an apodized diffractive 6-mm optic.

Dr. Neuhann reported the results from 40 patients (76 eyes) who had the ReSTOR IOL implanted and participated in a prospective randomized trial. The investigators evaluated the monocular and binocular distance and near visual acuity as well as the dioptric range of the implanted lenses. All patients also participated in a lifestyle and function questionnaire to judge their satisfaction as a result of the surgery, according to Dr. Neuhann, who is in private practice at AaM Augenklinik am Marienplatz, Munich, Germany.

Nine of the men and 24 women underwent bilateral implantation of the ReSTOR lens. None of the patients had another ocular disease other than cataract.

The 1-year results

In reporting the 1-year results of the ReSTOR lens, Dr. Neuhann said the mean for the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25, with a range of 20/40 to 20/15 for all patients. The mean uncorrected near vision acuity was J2 or better, with a range of J3 to J1+. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better for all patients.

When distance correction was plano, the intermediate vision at 60 cm for all patients averaged J5 or better 4 weeks after surgery. However, the distance vision improved to J4 or better after 12 months. With distance correction of +0.75 D, the intermediate vision also improved significantly.

He also reported that the patients were highly satisfied with the visual outcomes. There were few complaints about the quality of the night vision; any halo or glare that were reported were not significant and resolved over time. All patients were subjectively extremely pleased to be able to read without corrective glasses.

Dr. Neuhann concluded that the IOL provides good unaided distance and near vision with few early postoperative complaints about the lack of the same good intermediate results. However, he added that problems with intermediate vision for most patients have been resolved at 12 months.

"The ReSTOR lens offers patients very good vision and provides very good near vision results," added Dr. Neuhann. "It's fair for intermediate vision. Generally, the lens is excellent to correct presbyopia and for patients with hyperopia."