Problems with ReStor IOLs implant

I have had ReStor IOLs implanted in both my eyes since August 2007. Just after my first implant, I noticed halos and when I asked my surgeon, he said they will go away when I have the second one implanted. When I went for the check up after the second implant, I still had the halos and my surgeon said it will go away in time.
Since then I have writen to the research department at Alcon lenses and my surgeon had correspondence with the surgeon that they recommended.After a few emails later my surgeon has asked me to consider replacing the iol lenses.I am too scared for any one to touch my eyes anymore but the Halos have not gone away.

Any advice from any one?

[peakhope]

If you search this forum, you'll see that halos (and starbursts and other glare) are a known risk with ReStor lenses. Earlier Array lenses were apparently much worse, and Rezoom lenses also seem to be worse than ReStor.

Many people "neuroadapt" to the glare, which basically means they get used to it and tune it out. Some people are unable to do that. For some people it is a minor annoyance, while for others (especially people who must drive at night) it remains a serious problem.

One of my family members recently had a ReStor installed. She knew in advance that night glare could be a problem. Before the procedure, she noticed that she already had some forms of glare due to her existing vision. Her ReStor does have annoying glare at night, but since it is just in one eye it is not a huge problem.

Overall she is very happy with her ReStor, but she plans to get a different lens if/when she does her other eye, to avoid having the glare in both eyes.

So back to your situation. You should find that the glare becomes a bit less severe as your brain gets used to it over time. That may not be enough.

Explanting a lens to insert another is a tricky procedure not to be taken lightly (search this forum for "explant"). You would want it done by someone who is an expert. If you have had a "yag" laser capsulectomy, it is much harder.

You might consider switching just one lens and living with the glare in the other. It would give you one eye with good night vision, while avoiding the risks and complications of the second surgery. In some cases, eye drops can temporarily reduce the glare, which might help for specific driving situations.

Your next step should be more discussion with your current doctor, plus a second or third opinion from other doctors.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If you were goihng to neuroadapt you would have done so by now. ReStor IOLs have been associated with waxy vision.

Get a second and third opinion from Eye MD s not in practice with your present surgeon.

Exchanging and IOL is a significant procedure.


JCH MD

[halo4]

Thank you so much for both your advice. I am seeing a surgeon for the second opinion and I do not want to go for changing the lenses.
I have just had an added problem now. Dusing dawn and dusk, I see images like rain drops form my right eye. Any ideas what they are?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

most likely visual abberations from the IOLs (Dysphotopsia). Mention to your consultatnt.

JCH MD