Frequently Asked Questions

How is a monofocal IOL different from an enhanced IOL?

The young, natural eye accommodates for near, far, and intermediate vision. A monofocal lens (“mono” means “one”) will give a person the ability to see only one distance, and that is almost always far vision. A person will most likely need reading glasses for both near vision (reading) and intermediate vision (computer). The Tecnis is a monofocal lens. The enhanced lens is designed to provide quality vision for both near and far. The ReZoom and the ReSTOR are multifocal enhanced lenses. The Crystalens is an accommodative enhanced lens.

How many kinds of enhanced lenses are available?

Two, a multifocal and an accommodative. A multifocal lens has 2 or 3 discrete points of focus. An accommodative lens has continuous points of focus. The fewer points of focus in the multifocal lens contributes to glare and halos. The multifocals are the ReSTOR and the ReZoom. The only accommodative lens is the Crystalens. The lenses have differing strong points, which are discussed in this literature.

Will I have perfect vision with an enhanced IOL?

Not necessarily. Studies show that the majority of people with an enhanced IOL are either lasses-free, or, much less dependent on glasses. Most patients have very good distance vision and most will also have good enough near vision for near work. Some people may need glasses for extended periods of close work or for computer work.

Will I ever have to wear glasses if I receive an enhanced IOL?

Maybe. You may need reading glasses either for long periods of reading or for very small print. You may also need glasses for night driving or prolonged periods of driving. Most people, however, can conduct many of their day’s activities without depending on glasses. In one case study, 93% of those who received ReZoom IOL’s either never, or, only occasionally, needed to wear glasses.

Can I be implanted with an enhanced lens if I need cataract surgery in only one eye?

Yes, but it should be a Crystalens. Only people who need cataract surgery in both eyes are candidates for either the ReZoom or ReSTOR lenses to realize the full benefit of this technology.

Will it take longer for my eye to recover from surgery if I get an enhanced IOL?

No. The recovery is the same as any cataract surgery with monofocal implants. What does take a little longer is the adaptation by the brain to having both near and far focus images being “broadcast” all the time. The brain learns to disregard the inappropriate focus. But, this might take weeks or months.

What are the halos and glare like at night?

This visual phenomenon can be described as fuzziness around lights at night. Some people say it goes away with time, others say it becomes less noticeable. Most people say that the ability to see both far and near outweighs any slight halo effect.