Aa
Another Restor Lens Problem
Approximately 3 1/2 months ago, I had my cataracts removed and Restor lenses installed in both eyes and need some answers to questions that my doctor cannot answer to my satisfaction.
The end result is that I constantly see excessive halos from bright lights which precludes night driving and more importantly, major ghosting, shadows, and visual ringing on vertical objects especially those in high contrast situations such as a utility poles against the sky, etc. My vision since the implants is 20/20 but arms length operations are not to my satisfaction, otherwise I can see acceptably but the distractions over take the gains. I am 68 and lead a very active life.
In general, I am quite unsatisfied with the results to date. I am told that it takes upwards of a year for my eyes to adjust and none appers to have happened to date. Is there any merit to this answer? I fear that the longer I wait, the problem with removing the current lenses would increase.
As a result, I feel that perhaps an alternate solution would be to go to either a monocular lens and wear glasses for reading or perhaps the Rezoom lens system. My doctor does not want to explore these alternatives with the excuse that further eye damage would result or infections could take place. Is there any cornea laser shaping techniques available to minimixe the problem? I really need to get further consultation and need to see another doctor. Can anyone suggest one here in Indiana who has experience in replacing lenses? If none are available here, I could travel a reasonable distance to get this problem solved.
The end result is that I constantly see excessive halos from bright lights which precludes night driving and more importantly, major ghosting, shadows, and visual ringing on vertical objects especially those in high contrast situations such as a utility poles against the sky, etc. My vision since the implants is 20/20 but arms length operations are not to my satisfaction, otherwise I can see acceptably but the distractions over take the gains. I am 68 and lead a very active life.
In general, I am quite unsatisfied with the results to date. I am told that it takes upwards of a year for my eyes to adjust and none appers to have happened to date. Is there any merit to this answer? I fear that the longer I wait, the problem with removing the current lenses would increase.
As a result, I feel that perhaps an alternate solution would be to go to either a monocular lens and wear glasses for reading or perhaps the Rezoom lens system. My doctor does not want to explore these alternatives with the excuse that further eye damage would result or infections could take place. Is there any cornea laser shaping techniques available to minimixe the problem? I really need to get further consultation and need to see another doctor. Can anyone suggest one here in Indiana who has experience in replacing lenses? If none are available here, I could travel a reasonable distance to get this problem solved.
A related discussion, ReStor lenses was started.
ssis, my thoughts are with you and your sister. So hope she can get the help that she needs. Please keep us informed.
Thank you for your concern, the situation is very upsetting.
I realize that it is hardly fair to make a post and not elaborate on details. For weeks I have been a hands off reader with two good eyes when corrected by either glasses or contacts. I know there are many readers of postings that are in the decision making process of whether or not to have ReStor. I just couldn't sit back any longer, in good conscience and not make a comment against it. And yes I do realize that some people have had positive outcomes and I'm very happy for those individuals. My sister has not had the lenes explanted, which is a future consideration, but has at least one more surgery before that is an option. I thank all of you for the information you have shared, it has been informative and therapeutic for me.
I realize that it is hardly fair to make a post and not elaborate on details. For weeks I have been a hands off reader with two good eyes when corrected by either glasses or contacts. I know there are many readers of postings that are in the decision making process of whether or not to have ReStor. I just couldn't sit back any longer, in good conscience and not make a comment against it. And yes I do realize that some people have had positive outcomes and I'm very happy for those individuals. My sister has not had the lenes explanted, which is a future consideration, but has at least one more surgery before that is an option. I thank all of you for the information you have shared, it has been informative and therapeutic for me.
Ssis am so, so sorry to read your post. Can your sister get another opinion? That is what I was trying to say. One lens is not meant for everyone. What works great for one person may not work at all for another. And that is why I believe it is wrong to insist that only one lens is sperior to all others. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. So hope your sister can get to a doctor who can assist her. Can you be more specific on her problems with the lens?
There have been some heartbreaking posts on this forum from recipients of multifocal lenses. Based on their stories, it seems that two healthy eyes are a minimum prerequisite for any multifocal lens. This includes an absence of corneal/retinal disease or untreated dry eye. Nevertheless, during the past few months there have been a couple of very disturbing posts from people who didn't even have two seeing eyes before receiving a mulifocal implant. Astigmatism also seems to have a negative effect on the ability of MF IOLs (especially ReStor) to work well. A surgeon at EyeTownCenter reported that even the smallest amount of astigmatism can cause problems with ReStor. Unfortunately, the new multifocal lenses can be very profitable for surgeons, and many docs are still on the learning curve with regard to these lenses. So the responsibility for screening out poor multifocal candidates is partially falling on the patient. (As a poor candidate myself, I have first-hand evidence that you can't always count on a surgeon to warn you off.) This seems to me to be a big change in medical practice.
I am not at liberty to go into details, but I would strongly suggest that if anyone is considering ReStor, please get more than one professional recommendation, specifically for your eyes (not that that is a guarantee). I believe that these lenes may work for some, but from personal experience they are terrible and have greatly impacted my sisters eyes for life, NOT GOOD! I want to sob when I think of it.
i have two Restor's implanted, left eye on 7/19 and right on 8/2... I could see perfectly almost immediately - i see 20/20 for distance, and can read the very smallest print on the test card at the doctors office for near vision (is that J1?). I can see everything well enough to go through my daily activities, and my distance vision is excellent (driving and watching tv, movies). I can read very well as long as it is well lit. I work in an office, and read and am on computer all day long, and have not really had any problems. I have to keep my papers a bit closer (not all sprawled out all over the desk anymore) but that happens normally with aging anyway.
I am only 37, so this was a bit of an adjustment, but i have been able to do everything fine - put on makeup, clean house, read, write, see people's faces clearly. There is a bit of a very slight blurry area at about arms length that only goes out maybe a foot, if that, and then it is perfectly clear again. So, for example, my papers hanging on my office wall in front of my desk, that lists everyone's phone extensions, i have to lean in a bit closer than i did before, but it's not too bothersome. A bit annoying, if that, but getting used to it. And, i do have halos for night driving - only bothers me if there are many, many cars, as on a 4 lane street, but on less busy two lane streets, i can deal with it much easier. Hoping that will diminish with time.
Otherwise, i am thrilled with the results! Who would have ever thought i could wake up from sleeping, open my eyes, and see, without first feeling around for my glasses to put on!
Also, i did not have any astigmatism, and i did have a very excellent doctor, Dr. Lisa Brothers Arbisser, from Eye Surgeons Associates, in Bettendorf, IA (The Quad Cities). She has implanted both of the lenses perfectly centered. A good doctor is a must!
I am only 37, so this was a bit of an adjustment, but i have been able to do everything fine - put on makeup, clean house, read, write, see people's faces clearly. There is a bit of a very slight blurry area at about arms length that only goes out maybe a foot, if that, and then it is perfectly clear again. So, for example, my papers hanging on my office wall in front of my desk, that lists everyone's phone extensions, i have to lean in a bit closer than i did before, but it's not too bothersome. A bit annoying, if that, but getting used to it. And, i do have halos for night driving - only bothers me if there are many, many cars, as on a 4 lane street, but on less busy two lane streets, i can deal with it much easier. Hoping that will diminish with time.
Otherwise, i am thrilled with the results! Who would have ever thought i could wake up from sleeping, open my eyes, and see, without first feeling around for my glasses to put on!
Also, i did not have any astigmatism, and i did have a very excellent doctor, Dr. Lisa Brothers Arbisser, from Eye Surgeons Associates, in Bettendorf, IA (The Quad Cities). She has implanted both of the lenses perfectly centered. A good doctor is a must!
I have a restor and rezoom lens I have excellant intermediate distance with both. I also have darn good ditance and I can read the ingrediants on the back of an eye drop bottle thanks to my restor. No halos slight glare from headlights but minimal.Iam wondering if some of the aberrations that other people are expriencing are from astigmatism. I had a small amount preop. It doesn't bother my restor eye but my rezoom eye has trouble distinquishing between a 6 and 8 sometimes
Well you are the one that said the doctor had the same lenses in his eyes that he consults about. Hardly, a promoting chruise ship senerio!!!!!!
And quite frankly, since you brought up whom to speak with, I put a lot of weight in hearing from patients that have the lenses. And from that stand point of view, if you read this board, your one and only lens sure seems to want to be removed a lot. And you are a faceless stranger too! And your posts seem to me, to have a motive other than patient information. It really makes a person wonder if you are not getting paid for your constant promotion of one lens and manufacturer, which as I have said, may be a wonderful lens for some. But not all. And it does not help for you to keep cramming one lens or manufacturer down the throats of everyone on this board. I remember one man that was so upset the day of his surgery because he read a post you had written about the lens he was to have implanted that day. Personally, that would have made me feel horrible. And happily, his loves his lenses!
And quite frankly, since you brought up whom to speak with, I put a lot of weight in hearing from patients that have the lenses. And from that stand point of view, if you read this board, your one and only lens sure seems to want to be removed a lot. And you are a faceless stranger too! And your posts seem to me, to have a motive other than patient information. It really makes a person wonder if you are not getting paid for your constant promotion of one lens and manufacturer, which as I have said, may be a wonderful lens for some. But not all. And it does not help for you to keep cramming one lens or manufacturer down the throats of everyone on this board. I remember one man that was so upset the day of his surgery because he read a post you had written about the lens he was to have implanted that day. Personally, that would have made me feel horrible. And happily, his loves his lenses!
give me a break. Paid consultants are paid consultants. Kathy Lee Gifford really loves those cruise ships? Michael Jordan wears nothing but Hanes? Obviously, all the lens work to some extent or they would not pass the FDA. But your assumption that they are equal in potential is just naive. And your Pollyanna view of doctors is embarrassing. Most are good-hearted and do what is in the best interest of their patients, as far as their ability allows. However, money corrupts some. The most vocal are the ego maniacs of the Jimmy Swaggart ilk.
There is always a head of class of products. There is always a bottom-dweller. In Presbyopia correcting IOL's the overwhelming majority of ophthalmologists in the world consider ReSTOR the head of the class for 90% of patients as it offers the highest level of spectacle freedom at all ranges. Period. Rezoom is a good second choice for the rest. crystalens needs work.
With each eye comes the variations of cylinder, coma, sphere, axial length, kerometry, pachymetry, tear film, neural capability, etc. For a patient to choose a body part based on a faceless internet opinion is reckless. GO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR EYES AND THEIR RESULTS, AND THEN TALK TO 2 MORE MDs.
There is always a head of class of products. There is always a bottom-dweller. In Presbyopia correcting IOL's the overwhelming majority of ophthalmologists in the world consider ReSTOR the head of the class for 90% of patients as it offers the highest level of spectacle freedom at all ranges. Period. Rezoom is a good second choice for the rest. crystalens needs work.
With each eye comes the variations of cylinder, coma, sphere, axial length, kerometry, pachymetry, tear film, neural capability, etc. For a patient to choose a body part based on a faceless internet opinion is reckless. GO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR EYES AND THEIR RESULTS, AND THEN TALK TO 2 MORE MDs.
absolutely, he does. He has 2 Array lenses in his own eyes. But Medical Company consultancy can pay more than their medical practice revenue, and you should just consider that fact. Does Tiger Woods really prefer Buicks?
Guess he must really believe in those lenses then.
K-D. you are right on the money. You always have to read between the lines.
And comparing what car Tiger Woods really drives, to what lens an eye surgeon is going to put into his own eyes, just to make a buck, is just plain recidulous! Sight is way too precious. And opthamologists are way too intelligent for contemplating something that dumb. Get real.
What is your point Hud??? Yes, we all know that Restor is the one and only lens for you. But others are trying to decide what is best for them. And your constant posts that seem to make all other lenses inferior to Restor is just inappropriate for this board, in my opinion. And who cares how much the doctor is paid to consult. He believes in his lenses and should be paid as an consultant.( expert to consult.) What are you trying to imply? I hear so many posters going through such anxiety trying to decide what lens to choose and then you always seem to post something to make them unsure about their decision, unless of course they choose Restor, which may be an excellent choice for them too.
just so you know, Kevin Waltz is a paid consultant to AMO (the maker of Cee-on, Rezoom, etc.)and eyeonics (the maker of the crystalens).
My sister had the same problem and went to a different MD. The MD said it was part the material (acrylic) of the lens that was creating the glare, halos (dysphotopcia-sorry about the spelling). She had a Collamer lens put in both eyes and all dysphotopcia went away. It's much better, but without the focusing ability. She wears glasses now, but not plaque with the glare. Hope this helps
Mike, what did your doctor say about the risks of having the ReStor IOL's removed? Did he say how many he had done and with what percentage of complications? My doctor seemed to think it was pretty risky and scared me out of it, at least for the moment. The ReStor lenses should NEVER have been approved, in my opinion. Good luck on your surgeries. Susan12345
Your doctor is suggesting a silicone monofocal lens, which should eliminate the visual aberrations you've been experiencing with your ReStors. It sounds to me like you've found the right doctor for your problems.
I had an examination by Dr Waltz in Indianapolis on August 23, and he confirmed that indeed that I am one of the 5% or so that cannot be comfortable with either the Restor or Rezoom lens systems and he suggests that I have an exchange performed and use monofocal lenses such as the AMO Ceeon. The first exchange is scheduled for September 5. Is there any comments on this lens either pro or con that I should investigate or is there a better alternative?
Mike it sounds pretty much like you are having normal trade offs of a multifocal lens. I have a Rezoom. The Rezoom has excellent distant and arms length. The reading can be very good too, depending upon the lightening. The Restor is suppose to be better at reading than the Rezoom, but not at arms length. My vision with my one Rezoom is clear right up to fine print in bright light.
You are having night aberrations. It is very upsetting I know. I have the same aberrations. But you have to weigh the risk of another surgery and removing the lens. I am bothered at (night only) from the same aberrations you describe. But if I had to do it over again, I would choose the same lens, even with the night aberrations, because I do not do a lot of night driving. And for me the benefits outweigh the minuses. It sounds like you are having good distance and near vision. And that is pretty much what the Restor is suppose to do. Get another opinion about all the possible options for you. And wishing you the very best possible outcome.
You are having night aberrations. It is very upsetting I know. I have the same aberrations. But you have to weigh the risk of another surgery and removing the lens. I am bothered at (night only) from the same aberrations you describe. But if I had to do it over again, I would choose the same lens, even with the night aberrations, because I do not do a lot of night driving. And for me the benefits outweigh the minuses. It sounds like you are having good distance and near vision. And that is pretty much what the Restor is suppose to do. Get another opinion about all the possible options for you. And wishing you the very best possible outcome.
yes, there is merit to that answer. these are are knwn and common complaints of multifocal IOLs.
no laser will fix this problem.
yes, you need to find another doc and get a second opinion.
no laser will fix this problem.
yes, you need to find another doc and get a second opinion.
Six weeks ago I had cataracts removed and restor lenses implanted. From what I have read in the forums the implants are pretty much a trade off. You can read at a very close-up distance and not at all at arms length. I had a world famous surgeon in Jackson Michigan and he told me that the intermediate distance would not be good. The only thing which bothers me is that there are so MANY things at arms length. I also see the halos you talked about, and the street lights against the night sky are massive. To read I must have super lighting which isn't always possible. It's great not to have to wear glasses but the lenses are far from perfect. My family doc told me that my left lens isn't perfectly centered like the right one, so I'm concerned that this could be the reason my left eye has some shadowing close up. There doesn't seem to be any shadowing with the right eye. Like you, I hope it gets better, but I'm not expecting a great deal of improvement.
PM,
My doctor has checked the alignment many times and he claims that is is right where it is supposed to be. I had originally thought that it maybe a problem but he assures me that it isn't. I think the technology of the Restor lens may need further development as I believe that the majority of the problems has to do with the steps in lens thickness at the transitions for each concentric ring. The halos I am seeing is a series of concentric rings which leads me to think that they haven't got their manufacturing process under control. We are dealing with micron measurements and any perturbations in the material at the edges are going to cause distortions due to the differences in the defracted light waves. I haven't figured out the ghosts or shadows yet but I am thinking that they are reflections in the lens due to the unintended light defractions reflecting back off of each adjacent ring.
Needless to say, all of my arms length activities are severly hampered and the ghosting problem only makes it worst. I can read o.k. but need drug store glasses for the computer. I really need some help in working my way through this!!
My doctor has checked the alignment many times and he claims that is is right where it is supposed to be. I had originally thought that it maybe a problem but he assures me that it isn't. I think the technology of the Restor lens may need further development as I believe that the majority of the problems has to do with the steps in lens thickness at the transitions for each concentric ring. The halos I am seeing is a series of concentric rings which leads me to think that they haven't got their manufacturing process under control. We are dealing with micron measurements and any perturbations in the material at the edges are going to cause distortions due to the differences in the defracted light waves. I haven't figured out the ghosts or shadows yet but I am thinking that they are reflections in the lens due to the unintended light defractions reflecting back off of each adjacent ring.
Needless to say, all of my arms length activities are severly hampered and the ghosting problem only makes it worst. I can read o.k. but need drug store glasses for the computer. I really need some help in working my way through this!!
You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Archive Forum
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Eye whitening, iris color change, and eyeball "bling." Eye expert Dr. John Hagan warns of the dangers from these unnecessary surgeries.
Eye expert John Hagan, MD, FACS, FAAO discusses factors to consider and discuss with your eye care team before embarking on cataract surgery.
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
Protect against the leading cause of blindness in older adults
Got dry eyes? Eye drops aren't the only option! Ophthalmologist John C. Hagan III, MD explains other possible treatments.
