3D eye - explanation of common eye conditions

AUSTIN EYE CLINIC
AUSTIN LASER AND REFRACTIVE CENTER

REZOOM MULTIFOCAL LENS IMPLANT

WHAT IS THE REZOOM LENS?
The ReZoom lens is a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Unlike traditional single-vision lens implants, the ReZoom lens provides quality vision both at a distance and up-close. Traditional single-vision (monofocal) lenses usually provide good vision only at a distance with limited ability to see objects that are near without glasses. The ReZoom lens is implanted in the eye as a lens replacement at the time of cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. The best candidate for the rezoom is the individual who is 50 or older who is dependent on glasses and/or contacts to see near, far and in-between.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Rezoom IOL replaces the natural lens and is implanted into the eye in a procedure identical to cataract surgery. It has a patented optic design that works like a bifocal lens inside the eye. For long-distance vision, the rezoom lens creates a clear image of the far away object while at the same time a second, highly defocused image is created for near vision that is typically not perceived. For near vision, the rezoom lens creates a clear, sharply focused near image and a second highly defocused far away image that is typically not perceived. The rezoom optic design gives it the ability to provide clear vision near, far and in-between without mechanical movement of the lens.

The rezoom lens has the ability to consistently offer patients improved vision at a range of distances, from close-up to middle and far. Because Rezoom doesn’t work with the muscles of the eye, it is not dependent on a mechanical process or the movement of the lens to give clear vision.

The Rezoom lens is similar to two lenses in one. One, a refractive lens is for distance, the other, a lens is for near vision. This gives Rezoom more consistent results and more satisfied patients who can enjoy activities like reading, sewing, playing cards or looking at the fine print, all without the hassle of reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses or contact lenses.

ReZoom Multifocal Intraocular Lens
See the ReZoom Informational Video

WHEN IS IT USED?
The Rezoom IOL is used in adult patients with and without presbyopia, who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses following cataract or lens replacement surgery.

Anyone who has a normal eye exam and is dependent on reading glasses or bifocals may be a candidate. Although Rezoom lenses are a breakthrough technology initially approved for cataract patients with our without presbyopia, it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to qualify for the Rezoom lens, just a desire to. The ReZoom Lens

WHAT WILL THE REZOOM LENS ACCOMPLISH?
The Rezoom IOL has been shown in a clinical study to provide good near, intermediate and distance vision with increased independence from glasses in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

WHEN SHOULD IT NOT BE USED?
There are no known contraindications. However, based on the FDA clinical trials, Advanced Medical Optics , the lens manufacturer, has indicated the following types of patients possibly should not have the Rezoom IOL:

  • Individuals that are hypercritical with unrealistic expectations
  • Individuals with excessive complaints about their prescription
  • Individuals who drive at night for a living or whose occupation or hobbies depend on good night vision
  • Individuals who are amateur or commercial airline pilots
  • Individuals who have life-long complaints about glare
  • Individuals who are happy wearing glasses
  • Individuals who want guarantees on surgical outcomes
  • Individuals who have had previous Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery

CLINICAL RESULTS
The FDA-approved Rezoom IOL is a breakthrough in intraocular lens technology for most people with Cataracts, with or without Presbyopia, that may restore more youthful vision. Results from a controlled clinical study of the Rezoom IOL revealed that maximum visual performance is achieved when the rezoom lens is implanted in both eyes. Benefits are apparent with individuals in whom the lens is used in only one eye as well.

Clinical data demonstrates that 92% of those who received the Rezoom multifocal lens in both eyes reported wearing glasses “never” or “occasionally.” We have also used the rezoom lens in combination with the restor lens with excellent success.

Everyone’s focusing ability is different. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have very good intermediate vision and functional reading vision without glasses, but some people may be more comfortable with additional correction, particularly at night or in dim light or for long periods of reading work.

After surgery with the rezoom lens, it may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance, intermediate and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. The difference from standard lenses is that most people will not be as dependent on these supplemental vision aids to function normally.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE REZOOM IOL?
Virtually everyone who has cataracts and/or presbyopia (loss of ability to refocus vision noticed after age 45) and is in good general health may be candidate for refractive lens exchange and/or cataract surgery with the rezoom lens, restor lens or the crystalens. During your eye exam, we will determine if there are pre-existing conditions that would make lens replacement surgery with the rezoom, restor and/or crystalens not advisable.

People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, IntraLASIK, or PRK) may be acceptable candidates for Rezoom implantation as long as their eyes are in good health. After a thorough examination, we will be able to better advise you if you qualify for the Rezoom, ReSTOR, or Crystalens implant. Also individuals with more extreme levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness may be better candidates for lens replacement surgery with the rezooom lens, crystalens and/or the restor lens than laser vision correction

If you’ve already had cataract surgery, you may still be a candidate for the rezoom lens. In some situations, a rezoom lens can be inserted in front of your existing fixed-focus lens implant in what is known as a piggyback lens configuration. Having a piggyback rezoom lens would be a way to upgrade your fixed focus vision to better vision near and far as if the rezoom lens had been inserted at the time of your original cataract surgery.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to be good the day following surgery. There is minimal discomfort after surgery that usually resolves within hours. Most individuals can return to a normal work schedule/routine the day after surgery.

HOW SOON AFTER THE PROCEDURE WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE AT VARYING DISTANCES?
For most patients, near vision is good the next day, and improves over the following week. Results are best when both eyes have Rezoom lenses implanted.

WHEN DID THE REZOOM IOL RECEIVE FDA APPROVAL?
April 2005

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LENS REPLACEMENT SURGERY WITH THE REZOOM LENS IMPLANT?
Lens replacement surgery is identical to cataract surgery and results in safe and successful outcomes in approximately 98% of eyes treated. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks. During your visit with Dr. Mitchel Wong or Dr. Shannon Wong, the risks, benefits and surgical alternatives will be discussed with you. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures performed in the US today with 2.7 million procedures performed annually.

Additionally, individuals who are planning to receive the rezoom lens may need additional surgery to “fine-tune” their vision. These procedures may be done before, during or after the rezoom lens is inserted. In rare instances a monofocal lens implant may be used during surgery rather than the rezoom.

IS THIS A REVERSIBLE PROCEDURE?
Once the natural lens is removed, it cannot be replaced. However, if one is over 40 and dependent on reading glasses or bifocal the lens is already not normal. It has lost its accommodation ability. If the patient desires, the Rezoom lens implant can be removed and replaced.

IS THE LENS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN OTHER LENS IMPLANTS?
The Rezoom lens provides excellent range of vision far, near and in-between vision. It works in a manner that is similar to the restor lens. The rezoom and restor lenses do not rely on movement of the lens implant inside the eye to produce clear near and far vision.

Standard monofocal (fixed-focus) lens implants provide excellent vision after cataract surgery. With a standard lens implant, most individuals will need bifocal glasses and/or contacts to have clear vision near and far. With the rezoom, restor and/or crystalens, you have the opportunity to see near and far seamlessly without glasses and have more youthful vision. The rezzom, restor and the crystalens implants work very well in properly selected individuals. Still each lens implant has it’s relative strengths and weaknesses. During your evaluation, Dr. Mitchel Wong or Dr. Shannon Wong will determine which lens is best suited to your visual needs.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PRESBYOPIA SURGERY WITH THE RESTOR LENS COST?
Implanting the rezoom IOL is a high-precision procedure requiring the skill of a highly trained ophthalmic surgeon. The global fee for the rezoom lens replacement/cataract surgery is $4600 per eye. This fee includes the surgeons fee, rezoom lens implant, operating room fee and intraocular lens adjustments that may be needed during the perioperative period.

Most private medical insurances and medicare will not cover the costs associated with surgery using the rezoom lens, crystalens or restor lens. Because use of the rezoom lens is not a "medical necessity," patients receiving the restor will be responsible for payment of the surgery, lens implant and surgery center charges. However, in some instances for patients with visually significant cataracts, your private medical insurance and/or medicare may pay for cataract surgery but not the costs associated with the upgrade to the rezoom, restor or crystalens. If you have private medical insurance or medicare and have a visually significant cataract and wish to have the crystalens or restor, then your fee may be reduced to approximately $2850/eye for upgrading to one of these deluxe lens implants with your cataract surgery.

Two monthly payment programs - Care Credit and Bank of America Visa Platinum - are available to make the surgery more affordable. There is no prepayment for financing. To apply for financing from Care Credit, you may call CareCredit at 1-800-300-3046 or apply online at www.carecredit.com. We offer a 3 month no-interest, and extended payment plans of 2, 3, 4 and 5 years.

Bank of America Visa Platinum Credit Card offers 0% fixed introductory annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases and balance transfers (not cash advances) for 6 months. Click here apply for the Bank of America Visa Platinum Credit Card

Cost is an important consideration, but surgeon experience with lens replacement surgery, personalized attention from the surgeon before and after your procedure, and the technology used are the most important factors in determining how well you see after surgery.

ReZoom Multifocal Intraocular Lens
See the ReZoom page for more information

IF I’VE HAD LASIK OR INTRALASIK CAN I STILL BE A CANDIDATE FOR CRYSTALENS AND/OR REZOOM/RESTOR LENS?
Yes. People who have had prior corneal surgery are acceptable candidate for Crystalens and/or Rezoom/Restor lens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. Consult with your ophthalmologist to understand the issues associated with use of the crystalens and/or Rezoom/Restor lens after prior laser vision correction.

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