After eye surgery-ReZoom lenses

[nugget616]

I had cataract surgery on left eye 2-28-06 then on right eye 3-14-06--after both eyes my distance vision is GREAT I've never seen so clear or so far my reading of books at home is really good my problem is at work I use computers all day and I'm having problems seems the writing is like slight double vision I've tried about everything from turning overhead lights out and
using just the window outdoor light which seems the best, is this normal at this point? At night I have halos on everything,
the reflecters on the road the street signs car lights radio tower, it's something to see I drove for the first time at night last night, even during the day I have addition light from car headlights not as bad since the second eye was done, what concerns me most is the computer also I can see rings with light
from the lense when the light hits just right--had ReZoom put in both eyes-Dr is very happy with results I can read the card better than 20-20 so I don't understand this problem at work.
We have fluorescent lighting which seems to be a Big problem with these lenses or is it all in my head?
Thanks

[Forum-OD-MP]

you just had surgery 6 days ago on your right eye?

dont judge ANY vision ANYTHING for another 2-3 months.  maybe longer.  rezoom needs time for your eye to heal and work properly focusing again  before it works well...

[nugget616]

Yes it was 6 days ago - I didn't know it was going to take two to three months - I just pray all gets better - of course I'm so pleased with my distance that I don't know what to do it's just trying to work with the computer and my eyes really seem to get tired and ache--Thanks, I'll keep waiting

[philz]

I am now three weeks since having my second, dominant right eye done with ReZoom and five weeks after the left. The good news is that I have forgotten that I used to wear glasses and contacts for very high near-sightedness, as well as reading glasses. I see well enough to drive and do everything at distance with little night driving issues, see the computer screen as I am typing perfectly, and read most things comfortably as long as there is enough light. I think I am reading better than expected because my right eye is not corrected for distance (from -10.5D with my prior contacts) as well as the left (from only -7.5D), hence providing me some slight monovision effect. This is not so desireable as I wanted 20/20 vision for tennis in my dominant right eye, but maybe it will be better with more time. However, I am very satisfied as after 57 years of wearing thick glasses and 43 years of wearing contacts, I am free of both, thanks to ReZoom.

After reading Highsound's issues, I thought a positive update was needed. The info provided to me by this thread was very helpful and comforting, so I hope relating my positive experience helps others.

[Jenta]

I can certainly identify with your eyes getting tired and aching.  My eyes still do the same thing after three months, but it does get better.  

I have Crystalens in both eyes, and they are now doing the work that glasses used to do.  My eyes have to do the accomodating that they used to do when I was young and didn't wear glasses.  By mid afternoon, my eyes are simply exhausted and all I want to do is close them for a while. But, I don't wear glasses at all unless I'm trying to read something extremely tiny (which is rare), for which I pop on the lowest reading glasses I could find, +1.  I think that's pretty good.  

Just give it time.  If you are seeing pretty well now, you will be much better in a couple months.

[nugget616]

Thanks so much for your input it's has helped like you wouldn't believe I go to see my doctor again 3-24-06 he's going to dilate both eyes - it's just trying to work all day with the computer that was really giving me such concern--I really believe in time the lights at night will get better--I'm just
bad when it comes to being patient--it's hard to believe I had major surgery so you expect all to be like magic--Thanks again for your time and support

[Bill in JAX]

nugget 616 - I am 63 and the recipient of a couple of new ReZoom IOLs after cataract surgery same as you.  My first IOL was implanted on 1/22/06 and the second on 2/25/06.  I now have spectacular 20/15 distance vision and 20/20 intermediate and near vision in both eyes.  Please remember that you just had micro cataract surgery in both eyes which I'm sure caused some trauma, swelling and discomfort after surgery.  Plus I'm sure  your surgeon has you on several meds to assist you in your recovery.  If you have returned to work immediately after surgery and have been at computer all day, you are pushing the envelope for a full recovery due to all the strain on your eyes.  I'm sure the swelling from surgery has not even subsided yet.  Ask your surgeon for a ReZoom Brochure and read the Q & A section which clearly states the adjustment period for the new ReZoom lens is approximately 6 to 12 weeks.   Halos and glares will be more prevalent at night but will subside in time. If you have to use the computer a lot, suggest you adjust the brightness on the screen monitor to a more comfortable level.  Also, push back a little more to sharpen the font.  Remember to give your eyes balls and the new IOLs a break to get acquainted.

[nugget616]

Thank you for your response I'm 50 years old, because of
your input which I thank you so much for I called my doctors
office a few minutes ago, I have returned to work I had the
surgery on Tuesday last week and took Wed and Thurs off and
came to work on Fri then had the weekend off, the assistant
told me that it probably will take a little longer for my eyes
to adjust because of strain from the computer but that I'm not
hurting my eyes she assured me that I'm not, my eyes are EXTREMELY important to me and I want to take NO chances, I wish
I didn't have to work so soon but, with what I do it's makes
it difficult--I am still on the meds and I see the Doctor on Friday---pushing back from the computer does help (just need longer arms) THANK you so much I will take more breaks from this
screen maybe it will help--Pray I have as wonderful a result as
you---I can't get over how clear everything is at a distance, it's a brand new day every day now---I'm happy for you too!

[Matelot]

I am 61 y.o. and I am seriously considering having Rezoom lens to both eyes.  My tests show that I am a suitable candidate, and I am having a second visit with the Dr next month and if all is well the operation will follow in May.  I notice that all the posts I've read do not state that both eyes where done at the same time which is what my Dr is recommending so that both eyes and mind will adjust at the same time, giving me a better result.
Is there any reason why there does not appear to be anyone on this website who have had both eyes done at the same time?

[Eagle eyes]

On extremely rare occasion are both eyes done at same time. Typically, an example would be if someone traveled from very far, such as another country and have limited time/specific time constraints, etc.
The reason why it is not reoutinely done this way is because although cataract/lensectomy surgery is the most successful elective surgery on the globe, it is not 100% risk free, nothing is. There is a very, very small chance or infection - inside the eye, called endophthalmitis. When not caught early enough or if bad enough, blindness can occur. In the event that both eyes were done same day, especially if same instruments were used, same gloves worn by surgeon, etc, and if you got it in one eye you would have a high probability in getting it in the other eye.

Even doing it a day or so apart would minimize the chance of getting that serious of an infection. Although some MDs wait 1,2,3, or 4 weeks between eyes.

If MD and you feel that benefit outweighs the risk, then that is ok. Eyesight is precious, but in my opinion not worth taking the risk of having both eyes done at same time. The brain will adjust and certainly he is right, it will happen faster after both eyes are done. It is routinely done with LASIK, but LASIK is non-invasive, that is the difference.

I would ask him how many surgeries he had done, and for how many years. WHen did he start doing both eyes same time, and how many of those has he done. Ask him about rate of that infection "endophthalmitis". Ask him also, exactly how he goes about doing both eyes. Does he change the instruments, gloves, between eyes. Does he move you out of the room after the 1st eye, do someone else, and then bring you back in, so less chance of infection because new instruements are used, etc?

Good Luck.

[Matelot]

Many thanks for your comments I now have more questions to add to my list.
Regards
Matelot

[nursept]

Hi. I am scheduled in two days for the Restore lens.  Couldn't get into the other doctor you gave me fast enough.  Anyway, they want to do the other eye 2 weeks after the first eye-- do you guys do this?  If I don't do it 2 weeks apart I'll have to wait until May to get on the surg. schedule.  What do you think?

[Eagle eyes]

2 weeks should be fine. if you are happy after first eye and surgeon says to proceed...why did you choose ReSTOR? Best of luck to you.

[cataract49]

Please don't be afraid to cancel the surgery on your second eye if you are not happy after the first. It is your eyes.

Some people option for Restor in the non-dominant eye for reading and ReZoom in the dominant eye for distance.

Which eye are you starting with?

Personally I am now two months post op with ReZoom and would recommend this lens to anyone as I could not be happier. All of the early effects (halos) have disappeared and I see perfectly at all distances.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[nursept]

Today is surg. day.  I chose Restore because my surgeon did not feel confident w/ Rezoom (lack of US clinicals)  I had a surgeon who would implant Rezoom-- the office did not tell me to keep my contacts out for 5 days-- so the numbers might have been inaccurate.  when I pressed them to do the test the right way, I got  alittle "push back".  Frankly, I lost confidence in that office etc.  I got a few names of other REZOOM surg's but my eyes have deteriorated too rapidly.  I really can't wait.  I see 20/400 Lt eye and 20/30 Rt. eye WITH CORRECTION.  That is the only reason I am using Restore.  The surgeon felt I might have more aberrations w/ Rezoom. He has good results w/ Restore w/ the exception of the intermed. distance which he was upfront about.  I was told by someone who goes into the OR w/ surgeons to teach them how to use ocular  surgical devices, it is important that the surgeon has good results w/ the lens he uses.  I have resigned myself to the fact I will need to wear glasses for my music and computer. I have many people praying for me and who knows?  Maybe a miracle will happen and I will be able to see some intermediate-- enough to read music.  You all have been very helpful and I will keep you posted on my experience so it might help others.
Cataract 49-- thanks for your encouragement. I am so glad your eyes are doing so well. I am going to go forward w/ the rt. eye because it is rapidly deteriorating and the lenses work better in both eyes. I am nervous, as anyone would be-perhaps alittle more so because I am a nurse.  But I have a peace that passes all understanding, and  so I rest in that.

[cataract49]

I hope your surgery went well. It sounds like you have a confident and capable surgeon and that is the key.

I know how hard you struggled to reach a decision and now that the first eye is done you should be very relieved.

Be very pleased that you made the correct decision for you.

Just remember that each day from now on, your vision should continue to improve for some days or weeks to come.

[nursept]

Thank you.  The surgery went well.  More pain than I expected but I don't sedate well. I had break through pain w/ fentanyl and Versed and nausea afterwards. I can see distance great, so far. On the left side of my vision it feels as if the lens is moving around-- this is the" flickers of lights "people talk about.  They should go away later.  I can read the computer.  When it gets blurry, I blink and things clear.  I can read my cell phone and I can read music pretty well, surprisingly.  I can see small letters at 24 inches-- that is a surprise.  THere are a lot of drops to take and this "smears" my vision during the day.
All in all, I am glad one is down, one to go and the decision is made.  I'll keep you  all posted. I've been walking around without my Rt. eye lens in and it has been ok.

[nugget616]

I curious about a couple of things--did you return to work after
the rezoom lenses and when did you actually start to notice the halos disappearing--I'm a month with one eye and 2 weeks 3 days on other?

[cataract49]

I had surgery on a Friday, went out to dinner Friday night, returned to work Monday and then drove 5 hours Monday night to be at a conference on Tuesday. All without issues.

I have only had one eye done to date and wear a multifocal contact in the other. I was getting a halo(rings) effect when there were spot lights in the ceiling above and to the outside of my eye. This was the same direction where the incision was made. I experienced the rings strongly at first and then slowly diminishing over 6 weeks. If I am in a room where the lighting is spot light type lights in the ceiling, AND I think about it, I can still notice the rings slightly. The thing is though, my brain has tuned out the effect so that I really do not notice.
The fluorescent lights in an office setting do not bother me.


I am 49 and also work with computers a lot during the day. From day one I could see 20/20 at distance, J1 at 14 inches, and J2 at 25 inches. At first I saw a bit fuzzy between 14 and 25 inches. I have since adjusted and see clearly at all distances.

For your computer monitor, you may want to try an LCD. I do not use a CRT but do know that my LCD monitors all give me no glare or halos.

[nursept]

Well today is eye  surg.number 2.  the first eye is seeing 20/20 w/ Restore.  I can read near fairly well. still getting used to near vision. I see the halos at night but I can still delineate between cars-- which I couldn't do before.  My current surg. eye was a +1 cataract 1 1/2 months ago and now it is a 2-3+.  That's how fast these progress in me.
I am patient and am adjusting to this lens.  I can't wait until it is all behind me. Thanks for all your encouragement and I will keep all informed.

[youngcat]

I've been following your discussions for a few months. At 46 I had cataract surgery two weeks ago with Restor IOL. I was 20/20 before with mild prebyopia. 24 hours after I was driving at night and seeing everything. Yes, some halos but far better than with the cataract. Will operate on the other eye in June. I'm looking for some data regarding combining the Rezoom and Restor. The anecdotal is fine, too, but would like to know if anyone has found articles, posts, or lectures regarding this combination. Intermediate is the main issue. Computers, music stand, dashboards, etc. are still not usable and I've read some postings of positive experiences. Thanks. YC

[eyecu]

You would have to do a search of eye publications to find some of the recent articles on this subject. There was a recent meeting called the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery this past month which should result in some articles. There were papers presented on this subject and one surgeon presented that in his study of a bilateral Restor group and a combination ReStor ReZoom group there was no statistical difference in near vision but there was in intermediate and this combination is leading to higher levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction. This was probably the hottest topic at the meeting. I am sure that you can find as many for as against. It depends on the patient. If you are happy with reading but unhappy with intermediate or distance with your first eye, then you can opt for the combination to give you both. You will probably continue to see this grow as the more experienced refractive surgeons continue to gain more experience and accumulate data.

[youngcat]

Dear eyecu,

I sent an article in support of blending rezoom with my restor. His response was that most articles even in medical journals are written by people with an investment in the company or who are on the payroll. He suggest adjusting the focal length of the other restor implant to create more intermediate focus. Does that make sense to you? Or will it just make that eye focus favor to the intermediate and leave other fields unfocused.

thanks

yc

[eyecu]

I really do not think that any surgeon who blends vision is on any payroll. They are trying to come up with what is best for the patient and that could be bilateral ReZoom or ReStor or a mix. What he is trying to do is make you a little plus in one eye and a little minus in the other, like monovision with monofocal lenses to try to cross over and bring in some intermediate which is a weakness in that particular design. I don't know where you live or if there is a surgeon who uses both but they could give you another opinion. Obvioulsy the maker of the ReStor is going to oppose it and the maker of the ReZoom is not going to fight it but many surgeons view the mix as clinical and the oppostion as commerical interests which is opposite of what you are being told. It also sounds like he has no experience with the ReZoom lens or the Crystalens. As times marches onward, there will continue to be more information and I place my bet on more mixing. Both companies will probably try to come out with a different product that they can sell to mix. The Tecnis multifocal is already in the works by the ReZoom maker and there could be different designs and ad powers by the other to try to blend vision.

But the other factor is light distribution and not just intermediate. The ReStor works great for reading in bright light and the ReZoom is great for distance in bright light. In dim light, the ReStor is great for distance and the ReZoom for reading so by mixing you are trying to give a greater overall benefit of both designs. By researching you are trying to find out what is best for you and since you are paying for it, then I see nothing wrong with that.

[eyecu]

I saw your post on another thread that has been closed out. You have done some research. This article speaks for itself. If it got best paper at the ASCRS meeting, then obviously it was the most important topic discussed at the meeting and it won out over what I can imagine were quite a few papers. So a surgeon who has not tried it cannot really say it is better or worse than a surgeon who has done it all and has the experience with various combinations. He has presented clincial proof. That being said, if an older person in nursing home just reads and knits and that is what is more important to them, then bilateral ReStor could be best. If a person is active and plays golf and tennis and uses the computer and does not mind putting on readers for very fine print, than bilateral ReZoom is best for them. Dr. Milne is saying hey, lets combine these technologies and see what the net result is and find out if it is better. I am sure they were probably doing this in Europe before the US as the lenses have been available over there for a longer period of time.

[BEFUDDLED IN FLORIDA]

I FIND THE COST TOO HIGH FOR ME. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I CAN GET STANDARD IMPLANT LENSES FOR NORMAL SIGHT AFTER THE CATARACTS ARE REMOVED, AND THEN WEAR CONTACTS FOR BIFOCAL HELP?

[nursept]

You asked me to keep you informed as I progressed w/ the surgeries... so here it is.  I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op w/ Restore in the Lt. eye.  I see 20/20 distance and can read J1 at about 14 inches.  I can see more intermediate than I expected.  I can read musical notes at 20 inches to 21 inches-- if I had to sight read, I might need glasses at this distance- but I can still read notes fairly well.  The Rt. eye got Restore in it 3 days ago.  It is true.  Once the second lens got in, the near vision became clearer- the vision in general became more balanced and clearer.  The Left halos are smaller than the Rt. halos - probably because the left eye was done first. This is interesting: In comparison to regular cataract halos, these halos have distinct rings and look "digitalized" rather than a "hazing" that had occurred in my cataract eye.  I can see indiv. headlights even w/ the halos so I can still see where cars are located as they are coming towards me-- unlike the cataract eye that had a big fuzz of lights coming in my direction. I am pleasantly surprised that I can   read music fairly well.  I did not expect that.  I still have more healing to do so we'll see.  I am very glad it is all over. I know light sedation works very well for most people-  I had general anesth. for the second eye and this was much better for me.  Thanks for all your help.  I'll keep you posted on the Rt. eye 2 week post-op check.     I saw raindrops on leaves for the first time in 2 years. It was quite amazing. I am very grateful for every hour and every day I can see.

[eyecu]

Befuddled- normal implants are very good and will give you great vision. You don't really need contacts but can wear cheaters for reading. You can also be targeted for plano in one eye and little minus in the other to help you for an increased range of focus. Don't worry about it. You will be very happy compared to what you are now with cataracts.

[eyecu]

nursept-glad you are doing well. I think that most people will do well with either implant and definitely better than prior to cataract surgery. It takes time for you visual system to adapt. If you have great near and some intermediate but need glasses some for distance, then you are targeted for more near and to pick up some intermediate so you have a little loss at distance. It is a trade off. That is why some surgeons try both to not have trade offs. The bottom line is that you are happy.

[Eagle eyes]

What size are your pupils in bright light, dim light (like a restaurant at night) and in pitch dark? That is a very important question when trying to decide if you want to combine the lenses, mix and match. Also for intermediate, ReZoom is definitely, hands down better. So, it all depends on your lifestyle and how much of the time you are looking at dashboard, computer, music, art, plus sports, menu reading in restaurant, etc....all of these lifestyle tasks and pupil size are really the determining factor for choosing ReSTOR/ ReSTOR , or ReZoom / ReZoom, or ReZoom in 1st eye / ReSTOR in 2nd eye or vice versa. The best surgeons that know how to help you select the lenses BEST FOR YOU, are those that either do both or have done there homework really well. The doctor that eyecu is talking about, Dr Milne is in South Carolina. He gave his talk to the academy, a big meeting for eye surgeons. He is not paid by the companies that sell these lenses. He does a post op survery of ALL of his cataract patients, so regardless of lens, they each get the same questions to compare equally. The data is compelling. Also a Dr Bucci in Pennsylvania has interesting data as well. www.buccivision.com or Kerry Assil in Santa Monica, CA at www.assilsinskey.com

[Matelot]

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had REZOOM lens fitted who did not have cataracts, but had surgery because of Presbyopia.
I wish to know if you are fully satisfied with your results, and would you recommed the proceedure?

[Matelot]

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had REZOOM lens fitted who did not have cataracts, but had surgery because of Presbyopia.
I wish to know if you are fully satisfied with your results, and would you recommed the procedure?

[eyecu]

I know it has been done and I know some happy patients that had it done with Array lenses years ago. There are many variables involved and I would think your surgeon would have some referrals for you. If you give it some time, maybe someone will come across this site and respond. You might want to do an internet search as well.

[alikhan]

Hi there,
Had I known , what I know now, I would have NEVER let the surgeon fool me into getting Rezoom lenses. After he removed the Ptyregium in my left eye,all I indicated to him casually was that it would be great if I could do away with my reading glasses. He talked me into having both eyes implanted with Rezoom, stating that in 7 minutes each, I would be a new man.I fell for the sales man Surgeon. I am a 55yr old health freak, ex world ranked sportsman, dont dring Beverages, jog 30 miles w week,ran numerous marathons world wide, was extremely active outdoors, dont even have a single cavity in my 32 teeth.Yet, after 4 weeks gone into Rezoom surgery ( with a days gap )in both my eyes, I am left to live a life, during the day with unfocused vision after 3 feet, at night with Halos, glare,unfocused double and blurry vision. And I am told that it is there to stay, although it MAY diminish. I am convinced that Rezoom, restore and the likes are ONLY a good option for folks who have cataracts and would gladly live with the after negative after effects of implants. It you dont have cataracts,DONT LET ANYONE FOOL YOUinto Rezoom or any other lens transplant. I have learnt my lesson that is here to stay for life.

[Matelot]

Hi Alikhan
Wow!... What sad news to hear about your ReZoom op.  I am booked in to have my op next Thursday 18th May, but having read your comments it put me right off going through with the implants.  I could have the op with 100% success, but I only have one go so I don't think after reading your experiece that it is worth the risk.  Many thanks for spending your time to reply to me, I greatly appreciate your input. I will just stick to my glasses has I know they are a proven option.
Regards
Matelot

[The Queen]

So sorry to hear of your experience.  You still have a window of opportunity to have them removed. What part of the country are you in?    

Normally, eyes are implanted 2 weeks apart.  That way the surgeon can assess your refractive outcome from the first eye and adjust the second eye accordingly.  Any idea why he wanted to implant both lenses within a day of each other? -

[alikhan]

Thank you for your concerns. I am in Atlanta GA.I guess, the one day gap between procedures, wss largely due to the fact that the doc thought I could tolerate the strain with ease. I think he also felt my desire to get over with the procedures asap. Nevertheless,I have given him the royal boot and am seeing 2 other docs, who are verbally ( they do not dare voice their diffeences in pen ) convinced that the refraction is completely off,and my pre op reading were not handled judiciously.I have developed major astigmatism in both corneas that have really got the halos going crazy. My vision is much worse that it was the day after the surgery.I am now told that I am a better candidate for "tecnis" implants. Could anyone advise me on my condition pl??

[eyecu]

If you cannot see beyond 3 feet with a lens that provides 20/20 distance along with intermediate and near, then your surgeon obvioulsy over minused you and missed the refraction along with induced astigmatism that enhances your problems. Sounds like you have found someone you like and I would follow his advice. You have a lot going on. He is suggesting a monofocal which will give you great distance vision and improved contrast especially in lower light situations. You will have to wear readers for near and I am sure he will try to correct the astigmatism.

[Eagle eyes]

Yes, this is disheartening to hear that you had such a bad outcome. It is so very important to get the measurements, pre op testing right. Otherwise, no matter how well the surgery itself goes, the outcome can be disaterous.
matelot -this is a rare occurrence, but I agree you should only proceed when you are ready. Picking the best surgeon is the most important factor.

There are great surgeons in Atlanta. Doyle Stulting is right there at the top and a master on the measurements.

[Matelot]

I cancelled my surgery which was for 18th May and I got my
eyes tested for a new pair of glasses.  I decided that was the best option has the only feedback I got that was not from someone with cataracts was from Alikhan, and reading his unfortunate experience I had second thoughts about proceeding with the operation.
I live in Australia and the surgeon is well known and has a good reputation, and performed over 200 Rezoom operations.  He informed me that they had had no infections, even though they operation on both eyes on the same day.
I will follow this web site with interest in the coming years, and may change my mind if I can get more information from those who are totally happy with their results.
Thanks for an excellent website, you are providing a great service to not only Americans but people from around the World.

[The Queen]

Dear Alikhan

I have an excellent recommendation for you, Dr. Trevor Woodhams in Atlanta is a world renowned surgeon, I believe you would be well served to seek his opinion if you have not already done so.

[BEFUDDLED IN FLORIDA]

I HAD A REZOOM LENS PUT IN MY RIGHT EYE DURING CATARACT SURGERY, AND CAN ONLY WAIT FOR THE DAY I CAN SEE AGAIN. I HAVE VISION, BUT CAN'T SEE AT ANY DISTANCE. THE DOC SENT ME TO A SPECIALIST AT BASCOM PALMER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID, GOOD NEWS IS THE 1ST DOC DIDN'T HURT YOUR EYE, BUT THE BAD NEWS IS, IT'S THE WRONG LENS!. NOW I HAVE TO GO TO ANOTHER SPECIALIST SEVERAL HOURS FROM HERE SO SHE CAN SEE IF SHE CAN IMPLANT A LENS BEHIND THE REZOOM TO FOCUS IT, OR REPLACE THIS WITH SOMETHING ELSE. I HAD, WHICH THE DOC KNEW, VERY BAD ASTIGMATISM. NOW I AM SO BLIND IT ISN'T FUNNY. WISH I HAD KEPT THE CATARACT.

[Nite52]

A related discussion, ReZoom Implants was started.

[ruby2zdy]

A related discussion, Not  question - an answer was started.

[sweetpea75]

A related discussion, Crystalens problems was started.