Restor Lens Problems

[MiserableinNj]

I had cataracts removed 9 weeks ago right eye, 7 weeks ago left eye.  I had the Restor lens put in both eyes.  I have had nothing but problems and curious if anyone else has had similar problems. My first problem was light sensitivity. I had to wear my sunglasses inside for almost 8 weeks (my husband refers to our house as the Bat Cave).  Fluorescent lighting is the worst and thats whats in my office. I had to work with the lights off for the first 8 weeks, I can turn them on now but the light still bothers me. I have dry eyes and it has gotten worse since surgery, the doctor put plugs in my tearducts but I'm constantly putting artificial tears in, which blurs my vision. Then my eyesight kept getting blurry with double vision. The doctor said I have Blepharitis and gave me Azisite. That seems to help but I have to use it every day along with warm compresses and a cleansing routine or the blurry vision gets worse.  She now wants to perform laser surgery on me for a slight astigmatism I have. She says this will help, they gave me glasses to try on with the way it should look after surgery. I can see clearer but still double vision and she doesn't know if that will go away.
I went to another doctor for a second opinion and he said don't do the surgery if there is a chance I'm going to extract the lens and put in a monofocal lens. Now I don't know what to do. I'm scared to have these lens' extracted and would like to try and keep them in. We won't even get into the issue of the so called "halos" around headlights. They are such HUGE spider webs that I can not drive at night any more. Has anyone had any or all of my problems? Has it gotten better with time? Has anyone had the laser surgery for astigmastism after implants? Any help would be appreciated, my quality of life is 0 these days.

[CSBDR]

Two thoughts initially come to mind.  First, is this "double vision" truly 2 images either next to or on top of each other??  And is this present with both eyes open and goes away when one is closed??  This definitely needs to be clarified for you prior to any more surgery.  "Ghosting" of images is often a monocular phenomenon, often associated with multifocal IOLs like Restor, and can be researched in the archives of this website.

Treating the dry eye and blepharitis is critical for optimizing vision after cataract surgery, regardless of the type of IOL you have. Be very vigilent about the regimen prescribed, and coupled with time, it does work.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Use the search function.  Your problems are common.

Dr. O.

[will2sail]

I had the Tecnis multifocal lenses inserted in April and have a major halo problem.  In high contrast situations it is obvious that the out of focus light is interfering with my ability to see clearly.  Before surgery I had sharp vision with glasses, now it is hard to see to cut my fingernails even though I can focus at that distance.  I like to do carpentry and woodworking, but it is difficult to see things sharply enough to work safely with tools. I am seriously considering having these removed and going with a single vision lens.  That will require reading glasses, but it it eliminates the halos and give me sharp vision it will be worth it..

[allmymarbles]

If you have been following this forum, you would know that the lenses that give the least trouble are the monofocal ones. It is rare for someone to post complaints about them (except when it is bad surgery). And your insurance will pay for it.

[allmymarbles]

Further to the above. Two of my siblings have monofocal lens implants. They are overjoyed with the results. My brother says he does not need glasses to read normal size type. That surprised me. I haven't asked my sister if she can read without glasses.

[Woozie100]

Do you know if monofocal lens implants also have light/glare and halo problems?  I am reconsidering my Restor and Crystalens (I have one of each) as they may have given me lots more sight but way too many problems and discomfort in getting them to actully function for me.  Lots of eye confusion and disorientation.  And I still need glasses 85% of the time, only time I am OK is when I am in a small, perfectly lighted room.

[allmymarbles]

Neither one of my siblings has a problem with glare or halos. What they do say is that they now have the sight they had when they were young. My brother is 86 and my sister is 79.

[allmymarbles]

By the way, after I see my retinologist in November I will probably be ready for cataract surgery. If so I will get the monofocal tecnis aspheric acrylic lens set for distance. There are too many problems with the multifocals and I prefer to be happy.

[RESTORMYLIFE]

Unfortunatley, you have encountered some of the problems I have experienced with the Restor lens, I believe, your symptoms will finally be determined to be Dysphotopsia, many have reported this and if you research on the web, Dr. Bucci has written an excellent article.   Check out his article in Eyeworld.  Halos would have been acceptable to me, but you are experiencing the starbursts at night which can be almost blinding when trying to drive.
I have had all of the symptoms you described but I am also seeing the concentric rings of the lens  on all reflective surfaces, it is displayed in my glasses & sunglasses, the images of the 12 concentric rings keep appearing and multiplying.  My vision never improved and I still need glasses.  Several months later and after having tried anything, extreme migranes, etc., I had no choice but to opt for an explant.  I want to start enjoying life again. Hopefully you will be spared from having to go through this.  Try anti-glare glasses which are coated on the inside as well, hopefuly this will diminish your problem and you won't have to opt for an explant.  Whatever they try to tell you, do not agree to a 2nd Restor lens, it won't get better, you might just be faced with 2 explants in the future.
Good luck to you!  

[londonbridge]

I had one Restor implanted in July 2008 and explanted in January 2009. I opted for a monofocal toric, to correct astigmatism.  I have been very pleased with my vision. I wear one contact for distance vision and my IOL is set for intermediate giving me a good range of vision. I can read my blackberry and newsprint without reading glasses. I know there have been improvements to these lenses but if you are highly unsatisfied a skilled surgeon can explant them. It was a difficult decision and there are risks but it was more than worth it to live the rest of my life with good vision.  Do your research and find a surgeon who is highly competent, perhaps at a world renowned eye hospital like Wills in Phila.
good luck

[alohabja]

I had one Restor lens implanted in Aug 2009 - On my gosh I thought I've been loosing my mind - I have all the same problems as described. I thought this was only happening to me. We all have these problems in common,  I only wish I would have done this research prior to having this procedure done.

I suffer from Migraines - Waxy lens, Major Halo problems, I can't drive, I have a vertigo, light in every form bothers me.

I am opting for the explant & putting in the Monofocal lens - although I am nervous of the risks, I have to say these risks outweigh the problems I suffer with now.

I had a 2nd opinion with another doctor for the explant - I just need to make the decision now to do this. - I'd like to know if those of you that had this explant of the Restor lens had success, I realize everyone is different but I need some positive results.

Thanks so much to all of you for posting your experiences & problems.
I

[weazie256]

I had Restor lens put in back in 2007.  Halos were very bad but in time they eased up.  Still have some but they weren't as bad until I had Yag lazer in January because membranes covered my eyes again.  Now my distance is blurry and I could cry because prior to this my distance was fabulous and I could read (still can) without glasses.  I guess everyone is different but when they work, they were fabulous.  Don't know if my problem now is lens or if sometyhing else is going on.  Have been to a retina doc and can't get into cataract specialist till mid April.  In the meantime, have started on Restasis for the severe dry eye and have to wait it out.  Don't want to go back to glasses!!!

[Seachange4]

My wife has recently experienced the same issue with the Restor Acysof IQ and the Yag.  She has been using Restasis for now 2 weeks, no improvement.  Returning to the physician this week.   Would like to know if your problem was solved?

[JohnHaganMD]

Just FYI, restasis takes 4-6 months to work. It is great from dry eyes, I've been on it for 6 years but it does not start to work quickly.

[ZARTOG]

HAVE HAD RESTORE LENS IN RIGHT EYE FOR 5 YRS
IT SUCKED WHEN IT WAS FIRST PUT IN AND IT STILL *****
BLURRY VISION, DOUBLE VISION, STILL WEARING GLASSES, BUT THEY NOT EVEN ABLE TO CORRECT-

[SharrowLane]

Has anybody had success with the Alcon mono focal lens?  After reading about the problems associated with Multicol lenses, I'm inclined to have the mono focal lenses inplanted.

Thank You.

[tigger999]

I have one and it's fine, no problems at all.

[SharrowLane]

I'm considering Restor MultiFocal lenses - are you still having problems with your lenses?

[restor_weary]

Do NOT let them put restor multifocals in your eyes.  I had them implanted in mine in Dec. 2009.  Had similar experience as Zartog did.  Eyes never came into focus at distance, reading, or mid range.  Doctor told me after the fact,
" these lenses are not for everyone, we need to explant them as soon as possible".  
In late January he explanted the right lense And implanted a mono focal which was supposed to remedy the situation.  It would have if he had not damaged the eye in the process.
I had to go to an eye hospital and have another surgery to remove some of the fragments he left behind  from my eye.  Some of them had to be left in my eye because it was too dangerous to remove them.  So the vision in my right
eye is far worse than the left eye which still has the restor lens in it.
I'm stuck now with the restor lens in my left eye forever because it is too dangerous to risk anymore damage to my vision.
This is an example of what can happen.  Don't let it happen to you.  It's too late for my vision.  There is no fix.
Opting for those lenses was the worse mistake Inhave ever made in my entire life. My life is forever changed now with this terrible vision I am stuck with.
If I had only chosen the tried and true monofocals I would not have to be writing this today.
You only have one pair of eyes and they are so  precious.  I cannot undo what I have allowed to be done.  But you can avoid it if you listen to these posts and do not let anyone implant restor lenses, or any other multifocals lenses into your eyes.

[achillea]

The thing about both monofocal and multifocal lenses is that one size does NOT fit all, and there is no 'best' lens or blanket recommendation that will suit everyone perfectly. To get the best result--assuming the surgeon is top-notch to begin with--patients and doctors have to devote at least as much thought to the choice as they would if they were considering the purchase of a large screen TV or a sound system.  It's not something to be decided a week from proposed surgery.

The general shape of the eye ('long' or 'short'), the corneal curve and condition, the health of the retina, the type of cataract (for those with them), the patient's most important activities, and the size of the pupil are all factors that must be taken into consideration when lens replacement is at stake.

In carefully selected patients with thoughtful doctors, the reStor is a superb lens that provides essentially perfect, youthful vision.  I know, because I am one of these patients.  Two and a half years after having both natural lenses replaced by reStor D1 lenses, I am delighted and amazed each day to see as well as I did when I was a child.

To read more about those who are happy with their reStors and why, check here (although there are other, harder-to-find testimonials on this Board):

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Eye-Care/multifocal-vs-monfocal-lens/show/1564251

[jerseymad640]

All the  problems  you state are happening to me! Horrible vision in my left eye after having a restor lens put in in Oct 2012.  Halos, blurry vision, dry eye ,i ncreased eye pressure, worse astigmatism. my dr. Says to put the restor in my remainiNg eye and it should balance out to have functional vision. No way will i do this. I will also not risk major complications to have the lens explanted . This was an expensive decision and stupid on my part not to research this lens with all its problems. My dr say to try lasik to,get crisper vision. I dont think so  i would tell anyone else considering this lens to absolutely not do it

[barbg1000]

I had the Restor ACR SoIQq lenz surgery Nov 8, 2012  All I can say is Horrible. I have experienced all the same problems & can no longer drive at night.  All light bothers even Sun light.  I have halows around everything .  I was told nothing can be one. Replacement surger is too dangerous.  Do we have ay recourse? Can they keep implanting these lenses when they are causig so many problems?

[Bev5012]

I've had cataract surgery 3 months ago with the ReSTOR lens put in. I've had nothing but trouble since. Eye glasses were used for years prior to the surgery and they were far superior to the surgery and the ReSTOR implants. I'm really sorry this was done.

[dan2233]

a new surgery to install mono could be very good. BUT make sure the surgeon is the best. It very well might be that this is NOT the woman who did your last one. Find the best surgeon to do it.

[hopeless124]

I can not believe I was sold into the restor lens. I was told if I paid $5,000.00 extra after medicare I would never have to wear glasses again. The halo, never driving at night, double vision, change of life forever is such a hard thing. My family has had to endure all of my suffering because I am afraid to drive. My doctor has recommened two retina specialist, with no avail. Never have the restor lens into your eyes. If you have any new information PLEASE  let everyone know. Hopless 124

[SCUcolumbia]

What is amazing... every eye doctor I have talked with about this absolutely none of them or anyone in their office have had the procedure and most of them wear glasses...  even the person responding to the complaints on here wears glasses! Unless someone has been through it themselves they cannot understand what the people are dealing with! Plus, if the ReSTOR is so great why did they not have the procedure?  I keep coming to this site hoping to find a person that found a doctor that helped them with the problem....negative! I have been on this feed for a long time and never read one positive experience and all of a sudden I am seeing a few positive remarks...hummmm?  

[restorewoes]

If you are in this forum I hope unlike myself that you are reading this post prior to having restore lens implanted.
Please do you homework before surgery.  Get a second or third opinion. If your ophthalmologist tells you that none of their patients have had problems DO NOT BELIEVE them.
Talk with local opticians that know firsthand that these lens do cause problems.
I had Restore implanted over 6 months ago.  Of course the goal was to be able to see without glasses.
After all, one should expect that after shelling out 4 to5,000 out of pocket they should be able to see.
Was told that I would get used to halos.  I have not found this to be true.  I feel very limited in driving at night.
After allowing 6 months for the EXPECTED improvement of my eyesight I relented to having the YAG laser in one eye.  Honestly could not tell much difference.  
My eyes were so strained and dry that it began to get on my nerves.The worst issue was that I could not see
lights in distance, all was blurry.
I finally had to get corrective lens to have sharp vision again.
Waste of time and money for me.. I would never advise anyone to have these implanted.  Go for the monofocal lens which has much less reported problems and certainly less expensive.

[Dee56yrs]

March 2013 - RESTOR LENS - EXCELLENT OUTCOME -- I wanted to comment on my great outcome with cataract surgery.  I am 56 years old and had been very nearsighted for many years.  I started to wear glasses in the 3rd grade.  Very nearsighted and had an eyeglass prescription that was well beyond a "minus 6."  My last eyeglass prescription was: OD -12.75 +2.75 x 108; OS -14.50 +0.50 x 042 Add + 2.25; Vertex 13.75.  Since I was very nearsighted and had astigmatism with my right eye, I worried about whether to select a multifocal lens or a monofocal lens.  With this vision, I saw "starring" around car headlights at night and "halos" around car tail lights.  When my cataracts developed, the "starring" and "halos" became dramatic -- long, distorted star points and red halos the size of hula hoops around tail lights.  When I had cataracts, I was struggling to work at my computer and read documents, read books etc.  Dim light affected my ability to work at the computer or read.  Eye fatigue was significant since I work at a computer all day for my job.

I initially was evaluated by a local surgeon who worried about my astigmatism and thought that I should select monofocal lens.  He worried about the Restor lens and wanted to know if I was a "Type A" personality.  My only answer was that when it comes to vision, everyone would say that they are a "type A' when it comes to their eyesight.  He said that if I selected the Restor lens, not to ask for my money back!  He did not discuss any options if any problems did arise.

I was shocked at this discussion and then researched to find a very experienced cataract surgeon.  I went to the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins.  The doctor discussed my vision, how calculations are made to select the right lens, and options if the surgery did not provide good results.  The experience was very professional, informative and re-assuring.  I was prepared to deal with various techniques to correct vision if the Restor lens did not solve my vision issues immediately.  With his advice, I selected the Restor lens -- the results are EXCELLENT!  I had 20/20 vision in each eye immediately the day after surgery when my eyesight was tested.  I could read the smallest of type from the "reading" card.

I spend 10 -12 hours a day using a computer and I spend my time reading and drafting documents.  I am delighted with the results -- it is easy to use the computer and read and draft documents.  I am an avid reader and like to watch movies with subtitles.  I can do all of this easily again.  I am not affected by dim light.  My vision (close, intermediate and distant) is crisp and clear in all lighting conditions.  Although I have some white small halos around car headlights, I can readily drive at night.  In comparison to vision when I had cataracts, these halos are a minor inconvenience.  I have a number of floaters in both eyes and they are "minor" and "in the background" and not noticeable like before I had surgery. I was told not to expect the eyes that I had as a teenager.  It has been 6 months since my last surgery, and I am so impressed with the quality of my vision.  I have not had this quality of vision (20/20) since the 2nd grade.
The Wilmer Eye Institute was an excellent place to have cataract surgery performed.  Everyone involved with the surgeries and evaluations were professional, friendly and conscientious.  Excellent!