Frequently Asked Questions

The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL is designed to provide vision similar to the pre-presbyopic human lens. It works by using apodized diffractive and refractive technologies to provide a full range of vision.

Apodization is a gradual reduction or blending of the diffractive step heights. This unique technology helps optimally manage light energy delivered to the retina by distributing the appropriate amount of light to near and distant focal points, regardless of the lighting situation. Compared to previous multifocal technologies, the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL's apodized diffractive optic is designed to improve image quality while reducing visual disturbances.

Light rays from near objects diverge as they enter the eye. The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL uses its central apodized diffractive region and +3.0 D correction to focus these rays into a clear image on the retina.

Light rays from distant objects are parallel as they enter the eye. The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL uses both the central apodized diffractive and peripheral refractive regions of the optic to focus distance images on the retina.

Clinical studies demonstrate that patients have excellent intermediate vision for daily tasks, such as applying makeup, shaving, reading labels on a shelf and viewing a computer monitor. Six months postoperatively, the average binocular distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity at 50 cm for model SN6AD1 was approximately 20/25, compared with 20/40 for model SN6AD3.¹ With this level of visual acuity, patients can read the normal type in a newspaper.

Studies on the contrast sensitivity of the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL +4.0 D indicated that, at lower spatial frequencies, there was no clinically or functionally significant difference between AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® +4.0 D and monofocal control subjects. Other studies indicate that these lower spatial frequencies are most important in terms of vision related to everyday life skills, such as walking, driving and reading.² An additional study indicates there is clinical equivalence between AcrySof^® IQ +3.0 and +4.0.¹

The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL effectively restores near, intermediate and distance vision, regardless of pupil size. In bright light, with constricted pupils, the lens sends light energy simultaneously to both near and distant focal points. In low light, with dilated pupils, the apodized diffractive lens sends a greater amount of energy to distance vision to minimize visual disturbances.

In dim or dark lighting conditions, patients with the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL may experience glare or halos, due to the IOL's patented apodization technology. Although the majority of patients report that these side effects are easily tolerated, surgeons are cautioned against implanting the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL in professional drivers or in patients who have lifelong complaints about nighttime glare.

The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL features a technology called apodization, which is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of visual disturbances. Apodization is the gradual reduction, in step heights, of the diffractive elements of a lens. While some patients may still experience visual disturbances, their occurrence is greatly reduced due to the absence of sharp junctions or large steps in the apodized diffractive lens. Of the visual disturbances reported 6 months after bilateral implantation of the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL, all mean visual disturbances ratings were in the None/Mild category.¹

Clinical studies demonstrate that the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL has the ability to substantially restore a cataract patient's ability to see near, intermediate and distant objects, without the aid of reading glasses or bifocals. Six months after bilateral implantation, 78% of patients reported not needing glasses. Additionally, in a patient satisfaction survey, the majority of patients implanted with the +3.0 D IOL — nearly 94% — indicated that they would have the lenses implanted again.¹

Both IOLs reflected high percentages of patients who experienced excellent uncorrected binocular photopic distance visual acuity, though slightly more patients with the +4.0 D lens reported 20/20 vision or better. For intermediate visual acuity, significantly more +3.0 D patients reported better uncorrected vision: at 50 cm, nearly 64% of +3.0 D patients reported 20/25 vision or better, compared to just 30% of +4.0 D patients. Similarly, more than 45% of +3.0 D patients experienced uncorrected near visual acuity of 20/20 or better at a near distance of 40 cm, compared to less than 28% of +4.0 D patients at 33 cm.¹

The FDA has determined that the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL is both safe and effective. This IOL is also licensed for use in Canada. The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL uses the same biomechanical/biomaterial platform as the AcrySof^® Single-Piece Platform, which has been safely used in over 40 million human eyes since August 2005.

The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL uses the same biomechanical/biomaterial platform as the AcrySof^® Single-Piece Platform, which — as of August 2005 — has been safely used in over 40 million human eyes.

There are minimal differences between the biometry for the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL and the techniques used for other AcrySof^® lenses. As with any IOL, accurate biometry is essential for the overall success of the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL. It is important to target emmetropia, and to personalize the A-Constant for all IOLs.

The AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL is implanted using the same technique as the AcrySof^® Single-Piece IOL.

Proper patient selection is a key factor in ensuring successful outcomes with the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL. Age, degree of general alertness, ocular pathology, and functional and occupational requirements must all be taken into account when considering the lens. Certain subjective characteristics, such as realistic expectations and the desire to be free of glasses, should also be considered.

Clinical studies demonstrate that the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® IOL not only offers a high level of freedom from glasses, but also carries a remarkably high patient satisfaction rate. In fact, in a patient satisfaction survey, the majority of patients implanted with the +3.0 D IOL — nearly 94% — indicated that they would have the lenses implanted again. More information may be found in the clinical studies section.

Previous implantation is an important medical concern. For more information, refer to the patient selection criteria.

Before physicians may use the IOL for implantation, they must complete an in-depth AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® training program provided by Alcon. Contact your Alcon surgical representative for more information.

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