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ReSTOR IOL
I am eleven days since the second IOL was implanted in my left eye. It was a ReSTOR. My vision from close up to long distance is a little fuzzy. My first implant was a TORIC lens. It was implanted 25 days ago. By this time after the TORIC was installed, I was very pleased with the quality of vision at nearly every distance. I am very unhappy with the ReSTOR so far. I have maintained the drops in both eyes and, have followed all other requirements. I complained to my Surgeon about this condition. His response was that I shouldn't expect to see the same in both eyes, and, that there was no problems with the eye. I could see clearly out of the left eye with a corrective lens, and was eagerly waiting to be glasses free. While I can see with both eyes open, reasonably well, the left eye is always an aggrivation.
Can this lens be replaced if need be, without damaging the eye, and, is there a time limit to having it done. I'm not thrilled with the idea of doing it over, especially when this lens cost $1100 more than the TORIC. It's very frustrating when I am ignorant of the subject, and all you get is "Doctor Double Talk".
If there is any one out there with experience in this, I'd really appreciate a reply. Thank you.
Can this lens be replaced if need be, without damaging the eye, and, is there a time limit to having it done. I'm not thrilled with the idea of doing it over, especially when this lens cost $1100 more than the TORIC. It's very frustrating when I am ignorant of the subject, and all you get is "Doctor Double Talk".
If there is any one out there with experience in this, I'd really appreciate a reply. Thank you.
I'm glad your replacements are working acceptably for you! It's so much better to be able to see than not, isn't it?
Also it is very good to hear from someone who has had explant surgery, because there seem to be relatively few posters with this experience, so thank you for telling us about it here.
Also it is very good to hear from someone who has had explant surgery, because there seem to be relatively few posters with this experience, so thank you for telling us about it here.
A little slow getting back to you as I have been away. I'm very happy to hear of your success. I was of course hoping for the same. I'm about a month into the replacement "standard" lens, and, my distance and mid range vision is very good with both eyes. The left remains a little weaker than the right, but, clarity has become better with less squinting. It sure would be nice to not need readers, but, as previously said, I was prepared for that eventuality.
Hoping you have continued success with your ReStor's...wish I could say the same. It's been a bitter pill to swallow since that one lens cost $2500 and was far and away inferior to the lens that was covered by my insurance.
Hoping you have continued success with your ReStor's...wish I could say the same. It's been a bitter pill to swallow since that one lens cost $2500 and was far and away inferior to the lens that was covered by my insurance.
I have two reStor D1 lenses, and--for the right patient--they are utterly superb at all distances. You would be amazed what I can see without glasses of any kind.
However, one size does not fit all, not by any means, and I owe my successful outcome to my very selective and experienced eye surgeon, who recommends this lens only to those with eyes meeting certain very specific criteria, as well as to my own extensive reading before making the choice.
Research is indeed terribly important.
However, one size does not fit all, not by any means, and I owe my successful outcome to my very selective and experienced eye surgeon, who recommends this lens only to those with eyes meeting certain very specific criteria, as well as to my own extensive reading before making the choice.
Research is indeed terribly important.
Interesting and informative reply. Thank you.
I sought the opinion of another Opthamologist, as well as a Retina specialist. The second opinion from the Opthamologist was that the vision I was experiencing was probably as good as it was going to get. As far as the implant, the origiinal Surgeon did a good job, and, he saw no damage to the eye. To be certain, I went to a Retina Specialist who pronounced that my Retina's were text book perfect. BOTH Doctors felt that If I was to elect to have an exchange IOL, that I should do it as soon as possible. That is what I have done. I am three days post implant with a standard lens. A vast improvement already.
The 2nd opinion Surgeon claims that he doesn't use ReStor lens' because they usually don't produce the desired result. I have heard from two other sources that the same Surgeon does use Crystalins (sp?). Maybe it's a matter of which manufacturer provides the best perks. Not that I'm a skeptic, mind you.
I will say, that even though the ReStor did give me better close-up vision, the blurriness in the left eye at all distances was not worth it. In addition, the ReStor produced a poorer quality vision over all. My right eye was always carrying the load. I would recommend that anyone contemplating this lens get it in writing that your surgeon will reimburse you for the cost if it doesn't work for you. In addition to a free proceedure to implant a replacement.
As to waiting for the vision to clear up at some point in the future. I determined that the risk of waiting was not worth it. I believe that based on comments the second surgeon made, during the replacement proceedure, testify to the wisdom of this decision. Namely, (I'll paraphrase): 'I can't imagine what it might have been like to be doing this in August.'... keep in mind, I was sedated and maginally coherent..that is accurate enough, however...
I'm hoping that the original Surgeon, and/or Alcon will recognize that the ReStor lens does not meet up to it's hype, and provide at least some financial relief. Out of pocket was $2500. If not, I guess I have the option of seeking legal council, but, I am not particularly inclined to pusue that option.
Good luck out there. Do your research before you use a multifocal lens. If all you are going to need is reading glasses by using a standard lens, or, lens's I would seriously consider it.
I sought the opinion of another Opthamologist, as well as a Retina specialist. The second opinion from the Opthamologist was that the vision I was experiencing was probably as good as it was going to get. As far as the implant, the origiinal Surgeon did a good job, and, he saw no damage to the eye. To be certain, I went to a Retina Specialist who pronounced that my Retina's were text book perfect. BOTH Doctors felt that If I was to elect to have an exchange IOL, that I should do it as soon as possible. That is what I have done. I am three days post implant with a standard lens. A vast improvement already.
The 2nd opinion Surgeon claims that he doesn't use ReStor lens' because they usually don't produce the desired result. I have heard from two other sources that the same Surgeon does use Crystalins (sp?). Maybe it's a matter of which manufacturer provides the best perks. Not that I'm a skeptic, mind you.
I will say, that even though the ReStor did give me better close-up vision, the blurriness in the left eye at all distances was not worth it. In addition, the ReStor produced a poorer quality vision over all. My right eye was always carrying the load. I would recommend that anyone contemplating this lens get it in writing that your surgeon will reimburse you for the cost if it doesn't work for you. In addition to a free proceedure to implant a replacement.
As to waiting for the vision to clear up at some point in the future. I determined that the risk of waiting was not worth it. I believe that based on comments the second surgeon made, during the replacement proceedure, testify to the wisdom of this decision. Namely, (I'll paraphrase): 'I can't imagine what it might have been like to be doing this in August.'... keep in mind, I was sedated and maginally coherent..that is accurate enough, however...
I'm hoping that the original Surgeon, and/or Alcon will recognize that the ReStor lens does not meet up to it's hype, and provide at least some financial relief. Out of pocket was $2500. If not, I guess I have the option of seeking legal council, but, I am not particularly inclined to pusue that option.
Good luck out there. Do your research before you use a multifocal lens. If all you are going to need is reading glasses by using a standard lens, or, lens's I would seriously consider it.
In many cases cellular growth occurs in the capsular bag behind the lens, making vision blurry. The YAG laser procedure is normally used when the IOL becomes "cloudy" because of this PCO, or posterior capsular opacification. The YAG procedure essentially punches a hole in the capsular bag behind the lens so that vision is no longer obscured. Normally, though, PCO occurs some time after implantation. I think I would obtain another opinion before allowing a YAG to be performed. As your surgeion says, the YAG procedure makes explanting the lens much more difficult (although not impossible), and many surgeons will not attempt it.
In many, if not most, cases, your distance vision is not going to be as sharp with a multifocal lens as it would with a standard monfocal or Toric. it's a tradeoff between seeing at all distances and super-sharp vision at one distance. It's a shame if your surgeon didn't share that with you. He or she may offer you a LASIK touch-up free of charge if you have some residual refractive error,-- ask him or her.
Since you had the ReSTOR implanted relatively recently, I wojuld advise waiting another couple of months, at least, before making any decision regarding explanting the lens. It can take a while to neuro-adapt to a multifocal IOL, since you're dealing with dual focal points simultaneously.
In many, if not most, cases, your distance vision is not going to be as sharp with a multifocal lens as it would with a standard monfocal or Toric. it's a tradeoff between seeing at all distances and super-sharp vision at one distance. It's a shame if your surgeon didn't share that with you. He or she may offer you a LASIK touch-up free of charge if you have some residual refractive error,-- ask him or her.
Since you had the ReSTOR implanted relatively recently, I wojuld advise waiting another couple of months, at least, before making any decision regarding explanting the lens. It can take a while to neuro-adapt to a multifocal IOL, since you're dealing with dual focal points simultaneously.
The Toric lens in the right eye is good to about arms length. I'm 20/20 in the right eye. I have no problem needing to use reading glasses, because I was expecting to need to, due to the Toric lens. At extreamly close range, the ReStor lens, while being somewhat fuzy, does allow me to see reasonably well. It just isn't worth a hoot at any other distance.
Tomorrow I will be receiving a second opinion: Can I wait for two more months before making a decision, or, should I undergo corrective surgery now? Will the vision clear up on it's own? (I personally doubt it) Would it be reasonable to expect enough improvement to risk a second implant? Is there an alternative to a second implant?
I'm not familiar with YAG proceedure, but, it may be what my current Dr. has mentioned as a possibility. However, he cautions that once the proceedure he has in mind is done, there is no posibility of inserting another lens.
Thanks for your comments.
Tomorrow I will be receiving a second opinion: Can I wait for two more months before making a decision, or, should I undergo corrective surgery now? Will the vision clear up on it's own? (I personally doubt it) Would it be reasonable to expect enough improvement to risk a second implant? Is there an alternative to a second implant?
I'm not familiar with YAG proceedure, but, it may be what my current Dr. has mentioned as a possibility. However, he cautions that once the proceedure he has in mind is done, there is no posibility of inserting another lens.
Thanks for your comments.
From my experience with surgeon not able to help me and basically gave up. I ended up at a retinal specialist that found out my problem and Yag surgery was necessary. This only became half the answer. I was also told the ReStor would solve all my vision problems. Now I have to have reading glasses. I also feel cheated and I'm still seeking answers. I can't get them to agree to take them out. Be careful not to wait to long.
I am wondering about the use of a multifocal lens in one eye such as in this case?
When I first inquired about a multifocal IOL I was told that it only gives good vision if both eyes have a multifocal.
I did find this to be true with multifocal contact lenses. I had much better success with them once I had one on each eye. It almost feels like the eyes are better able to select the proper zone to focus on with both eyes working together.
Is that true or does it also work to have a single focus in one eye and multifocal in the other?
When I first inquired about a multifocal IOL I was told that it only gives good vision if both eyes have a multifocal.
I did find this to be true with multifocal contact lenses. I had much better success with them once I had one on each eye. It almost feels like the eyes are better able to select the proper zone to focus on with both eyes working together.
Is that true or does it also work to have a single focus in one eye and multifocal in the other?
Herbster and Nomandie, I invite you to take a look at my journal entries -- I have 2 ReSTORs and am bascially happy with them, although I do find that I need strong light to see close up. There a a few things that your ophthalmologist may be able to try to improved your results.
I'm very happy to hear of your favorable results.
I am happy with my right eye which has a Toric lens due to astigmatism. My Surgeon decided that the ReSTORE would be ok in the left eye as the astigmatism apparently isn't that great. He did mull over putting in another Toric, but, decided against it. It may be that he made a misteak. Since I need to use "cheaters" anyway, I would have rather had both eyes clear. Actually, with the Toric eye, I can see clearly up to about two feet. I would have been fine with that along with magnifiers.
I am having a little less stress when using both eyes than when I first complained. And, overall the vision is better than it was using both eyes than it was before the implants, but, the left eye remains less clear than the right after two weeks. I wish that I could believe it will improve. I really don't want to chance another error in judgement.
Hoping for continued clear vision for you. Thanks for the comment.
I am happy with my right eye which has a Toric lens due to astigmatism. My Surgeon decided that the ReSTORE would be ok in the left eye as the astigmatism apparently isn't that great. He did mull over putting in another Toric, but, decided against it. It may be that he made a misteak. Since I need to use "cheaters" anyway, I would have rather had both eyes clear. Actually, with the Toric eye, I can see clearly up to about two feet. I would have been fine with that along with magnifiers.
I am having a little less stress when using both eyes than when I first complained. And, overall the vision is better than it was using both eyes than it was before the implants, but, the left eye remains less clear than the right after two weeks. I wish that I could believe it will improve. I really don't want to chance another error in judgement.
Hoping for continued clear vision for you. Thanks for the comment.
Sorry that you got such an unsatisfactory result. That's so disappointing.
However, I have two reStors and am beyond happy with them. Part of the difference might be that my surgeon is extremely careful about selecting the right lens for the right patient, and my eye shape and dimensions (lifelong 'far-sightedness'), pupil size, and lack of astigmatism made me an excellent candidate for these particular lenses.
However, I have two reStors and am beyond happy with them. Part of the difference might be that my surgeon is extremely careful about selecting the right lens for the right patient, and my eye shape and dimensions (lifelong 'far-sightedness'), pupil size, and lack of astigmatism made me an excellent candidate for these particular lenses.
Thanks for the reply. I believe you are correct in recommending a 2nd opinion.
When complaining to my Doctor that the left eye is not as clear as the right, he made the comment that I can't obscure, for example, the right eye and look only through the left for comparison. I found that to be very bizzare considering that is precisely how it's done to determine the strength of a lens required during an eye examination. How else would one go about it.
Also, the blurriness in the left eye is effecting the total vision in both eyes, especially when driving.
From what I have been reading on line about this ReSTORE lens, the FDA should take it off of the market.
When complaining to my Doctor that the left eye is not as clear as the right, he made the comment that I can't obscure, for example, the right eye and look only through the left for comparison. I found that to be very bizzare considering that is precisely how it's done to determine the strength of a lens required during an eye examination. How else would one go about it.
Also, the blurriness in the left eye is effecting the total vision in both eyes, especially when driving.
From what I have been reading on line about this ReSTORE lens, the FDA should take it off of the market.
Dear Doctor Hagan,
I would very much appreciate your expertise on some questions I have. If you would refer to my former post of April 26th, you will see my concerns. I would very much appreciate your response in answering my questions. Unfortunately, the answer I received from MedHelp re: this post, did not address my concerns. I was asked if I did a RAM and PAM, I don't know what these test are, but did list the ones that I did have done by the Retina specialist. The doctor also asked if the power was off, I would love to know that myself. He said I should get a 2nd opinion with a doctor who does a lot of Restor implants, I had two after surgery. If you read the 4/26 post thoroughly, you will see the questions I asked, which I do not feel were answered. I've read a lot of your replies on this site, and feel you give expert and honest answers. I may have to explant the Restor, time is going by very quickly, have it 6 mos already. I would love to hear from you.
Normandie
I would very much appreciate your expertise on some questions I have. If you would refer to my former post of April 26th, you will see my concerns. I would very much appreciate your response in answering my questions. Unfortunately, the answer I received from MedHelp re: this post, did not address my concerns. I was asked if I did a RAM and PAM, I don't know what these test are, but did list the ones that I did have done by the Retina specialist. The doctor also asked if the power was off, I would love to know that myself. He said I should get a 2nd opinion with a doctor who does a lot of Restor implants, I had two after surgery. If you read the 4/26 post thoroughly, you will see the questions I asked, which I do not feel were answered. I've read a lot of your replies on this site, and feel you give expert and honest answers. I may have to explant the Restor, time is going by very quickly, have it 6 mos already. I would love to hear from you.
Normandie
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The lens can be removed anytime. After 6-8 weeks it becomes technically somewhat more difficult. Removing an IOL is just as big of surgery as putting it in and is never totally safe.. You might go ahead and get a second opinion from another eye surgeon.
JCH MD
JCH MD
Thanks for the reply. I'm a little computer "vague". I stumbled on this sight, and, muddled around reading a number of issues that were'nt very related. That is when I got frustrated and sought to find person or persons with a similar situation.
Not knowing the MD specialties you carry, I suspect you are a specialist in this field. Can you advise on the accepted length of time it would be permissible to change this lens? I'm not thrilled with the idea, but I don't really want to live what ever time I have left the way it has stacked up. Part of my frustration is, I feel cheated.
Not knowing the MD specialties you carry, I suspect you are a specialist in this field. Can you advise on the accepted length of time it would be permissible to change this lens? I'm not thrilled with the idea, but I don't really want to live what ever time I have left the way it has stacked up. Part of my frustration is, I feel cheated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There are scores of detailed discussions about the ReSTOR IOL. Use the search feature and archives to access them.
JCH MD
JCH MD
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