Robert Stein, D.O.            Robert Lindberg, D.O.

New intraocular lens for cataract patients available at Sharon Regional

Revolutionary Technology Provides a High Level of Freedom from Glasses

A revolutionary advance in cataract surgery was performed recently at Sharon Regional by ophthalmologist Robert Stein, D.O., from Valley Eye Center in Hermitage, utilizing the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL). The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, from Alcon, Inc., provides patients with a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate and distance), and greatly reduces reliance on glasses.  In clinical trials, 80 percent of patients reported “never” wearing reading glasses or bifocals following bilateral cataract surgery. Dr. Stein’s associate from Valley Eye Center, Robert Lindberg, D.O., also performs the procedure.

The vast majority of patients who undergo cataract surgery today receive monofocal lenses, which typically require them to use reading glasses or bifocals for near vision following surgery. 

“With the new AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, patients have the potential to reduce their reliance on glasses,” said Dr. Stein.  “This new lens is a breakthrough in cataract surgery that we are proud to offer our patients. While not every patient may be a candidate for the new lens, a thorough eye examination prior to the cataract surgery will confirm whether the patient can elect to choose this option,” Dr. Stein stated.

Dr. Stein also wanted to advise patients that the new lens is currently considered an “upgrade” from the traditional IOL used in cataract surgery, and is not yet covered by most insurance plans, which will result in an out-of-pocket expense for those who choose it. “While this new lens certainly offers significant advantages to patients in reducing their reliance on glasses, it is important for patients to check with their insurance provider prior to surgery to determine what level of coverage they might have,” Dr. Stein said.

AcrySof® ReSTOR® is a foldable IOL and represents breakthrough technology because of its unique, patented optic design, which allows patients to experience the highest level of freedom from glasses ever achieved in IOL clinical trials.  The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL uses a combination of three complementary technologies: apodization, diffraction and refraction, to allow patients to experience a full range of high-quality vision without the need for reading glasses or bifocals.  This range of vision is achieved without glasses through the optical properties of the IOL.  The end benefit for patients is an increased range of quality vision that results in a high level of spectacle freedom.  Alcon patented the application of apodization technology to an IOL, making AcrySof® ReSTOR® the first and only apodized diffractive IOL. 

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in March 2005.  Clinical trials were conducted in the United States and Europe to establish the safety and effectiveness of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL.  A total of 566 patients received the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens in clinical trials and had a mean age of 68 years.

Since its introduction outside the U.S. in 2003, more than 11,000 AcrySof® ReSTOR®  IOLs have been implanted in patients by more than 1,000 surgeons in Europe and other countries.  More than 500 ophthalmic surgeons in the U.S. have been trained to implant the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens and thousands of lenses have already been successfully implanted. 

A cataract is a “clouding” of the eye’s natural lens, which results in blurred or defocused vision.  According to a recent article published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, more than 20 million adults in the U.S. have developed cataracts making it the number one cause of poor vision in the United States.  While not all cataracts require surgery, nearly 3 million cataract procedures are annually performed in the U.S.  Cataracts cannot be prevented and are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide.  According to the National Eye Institute, the number of Americans with cataracts is expected to rise to over 30 million people by the year 2020.