AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL
How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?
As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation . Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older1, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. However, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized diffractive
Diffraction: The spreading of light. Occurs when light passes through discontinuities (i.e. steps or edges). In an optical system, light can be diffracted to form multiple focal points or images.
and refractive technologies. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.
Apodized Diffractive
Apodization is the gradual tapering of the diffractive steps from the center to the outside edge of a lens to create a smooth transition of light between the distance, intermediate and near focal points. Diffraction involves the bending or spreading of light to multiple focal points as it passes through the lens. On the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL, the center of the lens surface consists of an apodized diffractive optic. This means that the series of tiny steps in that center area work together to focus light for near through distance vision .
Refractive
Refraction involves the redirection of light passing through the lens, to focus on the retina . The refractive region of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL bends light as it passes through the lens to a focal point on the retina. This outer ring of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL surrounds the apodized diffractive region and is dedicated to focusing light for distance vision.
Refraction: Redirection of light rays as they pass through the lens.
Near vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 16 inches or closer to your eyes. This is also known as "reading vision." Items that typically fall within the near range of vision are books, newspapers, and medicine bottles.
Accommodation: The ability of the eye's lens to change shape to focus on objects at various distances.
Retina: The transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the images to your brain.
Distance vision: Refers to focal points that are typically 7 feet or further from your eyes. Items that typically fall within the distance range of vision are billboards, street signs, and movie screens.
Apodization: The gradual reduction or blending of the diffractive step heights. The application of apodization to intraocular lenses is a patented process by Alcon and can only be found in the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL. |
