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Restore vs ReZoom Lenses

I am facing cataract surgery and wondering what the difference between Restore and ReZoom lenses are if any, what are the pros and cons and if someone does  a lot of reading and/or computer work is one of them better than the other or should I just go with a monofocal and wear glasses?
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Avatar universal
Do not get ReZoom lenses; there are SO many problems reported with their obsolete technology.  If you absolutely insist on getting a multifocal, then your choice should be between ReStor and the Tecnis multifocal.  But don't expect the same crisp vision that you'd get with a monofocal lens, and be prepared for glare and halos, which might make night driving difficult.  You'll probably need readers for seeing your monitor.  And you'd better hope that you won't develop macular problems later in life.

The Crystalens HD is probably a better bet than either of the above, although you'd probably need glasses for prolonged reading and seeing small print.  Or you could get the same outcome with aspheric monofocal IOLs set for modified monovision and save the out-of-pocket fees.  (BTW, some people with full monovision never need glasses for any task.)
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I feel the ReZoom is OLD TECHNOLOGY   The studies that Dr. Kutryb and I have done showed it is the most likely to create an unhappy patient.


Use the search feature and archives to get up to speed on monofocal vs multifocal and with problems with each

JCH DM
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Avatar universal
Hello Laura,

I am making quite a theme song of this - but I would counsel anyone to go for a good monofocal and wear glasses.  Think about it - if you are at the computer or reading (which I do a lot in my work and recreation) by definition you are sitting down, so what's the big deal about wearing glasses?  I have both eyes set for "distance" and have a very acceptable quality of unaided close/intermediate vision for normal tasks - I can distinguish all objects on a table in front of me, on my desk, the ground at my feet etc.  If wanting to read print or computer, see fine texture at closeup such as fabric in shops, then the clarity is there for the asking with glasses.  The quality of my vision from just past arms length to infinity is excellent.  It's very like my pre-cataract middle aged need for progressive readers. (Mind that *your* results and need for glasses will also depend on your particular eyes, it may not be as above.  A decent surgeon should be able to advise on what you could reasonably expect).

I have had two Restor lenses explanted at great heartache, risk and worry.  The overall *quality* of vision afforded by the multifocal technology, esp at night, was awful (even with a lens-power problem corrected with glasses) compared with the beautiful clarity of aspheric monos, of which I have one Tecnis and one AcrysofIQ (long story...).  Crystalens is not a multifocal but does seem to have problems also - just beware of anyone pushing an expensive lens and "talking down" the monofocals - your wellbeing may not be their priority.

It is terribly important that your eye measurements be correctly done and the right power of lens be skillfully inserted.  Monos can give trouble too if poorly done.  But I sincerely think they can give you the best quality of vision available with today's technology.  There are far, far worse fates than wearing glasses for some activities.  If your vision is still reasonable you can "trial"  with contact lenses the effects of monofocal lenses set for double-distance or various tweaks of lens power in each eye.  This is not an exact science, but would give you a feel for how your unaided post-cataract vision would be.

Another issue is that people tend to equate "doesn't wear glasses" with "sees well".  This is by no means the case - you can have acuity with a need for glasses at least some of the time, or possibly added depth of visual field (can manage without glasses) at the sacrifice of acuity.  You can't under present technology have both.

Click on my username to see my posts on the topic of Restor lenses and the many problems they cause.  Remember most of us posting here are just patients like yourself who offer our experiences - you need expert and *ethical* assessment of your own situation.  I do have a personal drum to beat - avoid multifocals of any sort!!

Regards, Restornomore
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am doing a study on multifocal IOLs and the problems caused by them. We are especially interested in people that have been referred for CT scans, MRI and neurologist consultation. If you had any of those tests and want to participate in the study please send your e mail address to ***@****  All that is necessary is to answer a questionnaire that we are preparing now.

JCH MD

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Avatar universal
Go with the monofocal or the odds are good you will be back on these boards
with complaints about your new vision.  I suspect ophtamologist will really be pushing   these lenses with Christmas just around the corner.
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
use this e mail address. Don't insert the spaces  jhagan @ discovervision. com
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Avatar universal
Hi Laura,
I've had two cataracts removed in the past 2 weeks.  I too, had great reservations about the multifocal lens vs. monofocal lens decision.  My optometrist recommended the monofocal lens.  My eye surgeon, however, acted like there was no other option but mulitfocal.  I am a 55 year old male that had posterior subcapsular cataracts.  I was torn because of the posted results of people that have had terrible outcomes with multifocal lenses.   Was my surgeon just "pushing" the multifocal because of the additional cost or did he truly believe that this was the proper and correct lens (ReStor) for me?  After many questions and a through consultation I decided to go with the ReStor lenses.  After the first procedure (which was completely painless) I could immediately see distance well.  The first evening I had the described large halos around the kitchen ceiling lights and circular strings of what looked like Christmas twinkle lights.  Also, there was a faint pink color in the halos around the white kitchen ceiling lights. This was described in the post-op paper as being due to the bright lights of the operating microscope that day.  The pink color in the halos lasted only one day.  The dramatic post op white light halos lasted only about 2 days.  I had mine done on Wednesdays exactly one week apart. By the Friday after the first operation my close up reading ability was starting to come into focus and has gotten steadily better.  Distance and intermediate vision has also improved noticeably since.  The second operation went about the same as the first.  I noticed, however, that the far distance vision didn't come in as sharp as the first eye immediately after surgery.  Mid range and close up came into focus about the same time, Friday.  I'm now 1 week and one day post op of the second eye.  Distance vision has improved each day for the second eye.  I do notice that headlights on cars during the day and at night have small halos around them.  I wouldn't exactly say halos because they look more like small "fish eyes" to me.  My doctor did say that this would take some time to disappear which could be a year.  To sum things up, so far I'm completely satisfied with the ReStor lenses.  My wife is really jealous of my great vision.  I wouldn't even attempt to read the menu without glasses when we went out to eat. Now I can read it perfectly.  Even the smallest print is crystal clear.  In the morning she now asks me the time which is displayed as small numbers on the cable box on the other side of the bedroom.  I can see the numbers clearly and without effort. I had to wear glasses since the 3rd grade, contacts in college, and reading glasses for about 8 years. I'm now contacts and glasses free at 2 weeks out and would be perfectly happy if my vision stayed just as it is today.  I realize that results are different for everyone and I just wanted to share with you my personal experience.  Good luck to you.

Ron
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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Avatar universal
Doc,
I had the MRI, been to Four different Doctors now. I would be HAPPY to help you with your study.
Helpful - 0
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Okay  send your contact information (minimum e mail) to don't put in the spaces  jhagan @ discovervision.   com

It may be a month or two before we have the protocol complete.

thanks

JHaganMD
Helpful - 0
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