Phoenix Cataract Surgery Specialists - ReSTOR IOLs

Drs. Moretsky and Cassidy are Phoenix cataract surgery specialists who use the newest technology implants and surgical techniques. The ReSTOR IOL represents a break- through in lens implant technology and has helped many Phoenix cataract patients to obtain correction for both reading and distance vision. The web page below describes the new advances in cataract surgery and the ReSTOR Lens.

Cataract surgery has undergone tremendous technological advances. Millions of patients this year will undergo cataract surgery, improving their quality of life with new technology cataract removal, and advanced technology lens replacement techniques or intraocular lens implantation.

In the past, the vision was restored for distance by the use of a monofocal intraocular lens implant (1), but now patients can eliminate or reduce their need for reading glasses also with the introduction of the AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens (2).

What is a cataract and how is it treated?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside of the eye. This lens is located behind the iris, or colored part of the eye. It works just like the lens of a camera focusing light images onto the retina (or film of the camera), which sends the image and message to the brain where vision is actually interpreted.

The human lens can become cloudy with the aging process. The best way to correct the cataract is to remove the old cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens implant. A cataract can be responsible for blurred vision, color reduction, difficulty seeing at night to drive and difficulty reading small print even with the use of glasses. Cataracts cannot be prevented, but removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens should restore the vision to normal. The time to have cataract surgery is when the quality of your vision begins to put limits on your activities and enjoyment of life. There is no "right time" to remove a cataract. As a rule of thumb, surgical treatment by cataract removal is appropriate when your vision impairment interferes with your activities of daily living.

Removing the central portion of the lens or cataract material and leaving the outer membrane in place accomplish cataract surgery. This is analogous to removing the center of a grape but leaving the skin behind. This is referred to as extra-capsular cataract extraction. It is accomplished by creating a small incision and removing the central core with ultrasound energy through the use of an instrument, (about the size of a pen tip), a process known as phacoemulsification) (3). Employing this technique leaves part of the membrane capsule behind (4).

With cataract extraction, it is necessary to substitute an artificial focusing device for the natural lens of the eye that was removed during the cataract extraction procedure. This lens replacement technique or intraocular lens implantation has replaced all previous techniques of thick glasses or contact lenses for the purpose of returning the eye to focus.

Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy utilize a technique which reduces the incision size by constructing a specialized incision resembling a "trap door." This incision is made between the clear cornea and white sclera. This results in a self-sealing wound which does not require suture closure. This is referred to as "no stitch cataract surgery technique" (5). No stitch cataract extraction by small incision with foldable intraocular lens implantation relies on the pressure within the eye to seal the wound closed without suturing. This technique allows faster return of best expected vision.

Lasers are not used for cataract surgery but are used in multiple other eye conditions, including opening of the back membrane behind the implant, if it should become cloudy at a later date (6).

This condition is called posterior capsule opacification and is treated with a technique called the YAG laser capsulotomy. The procedure is safe, brief, and provides immediate vision improvement. The laser creates a hole in the cloudy capsule, like a window allowing light to pass and thus improving vision (7).

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia occurs as the natural eye ages and the lens of the eye which was formally transparent and flexible becomes partially clouded and rigid. When you begin noticing having to push menus and books further away to read, this is an indication of presbyopia. Typically, patients will rely on reading glasses or bifocals for this natural aging process in the eye. The condition of presbyopia will eventually affect everyone.

The presbyopia correcting AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens

Now with the use of a specialized intraocular lens AcrySof ® ReSTOR ®, patients typically reduce their need for glasses both for distance and near. In a clinical study, 80% of patients receiving the AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens reported that they never wore glasses for any activities. Reading a book, looking at a computer, and driving a car were achieved without the need for glasses. In this study, 94% of patients said they would have the AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens implanted again, if given the choice. Although some patients experienced some night vision glare, the overwhelming majority of patients found this advanced technology provided a new level of freedom from glasses. After the procedure to one eye at a time, patients are instructed to rest on that day and then will begin prescription eyedrops the following day. Once both eyes have been treated, patients will fully appreciate the AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens and typically realize a new type of freedom with diminished dependence on glasses.

Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy are pioneers in cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation; each having over 25 years' experience.

Cataract removal with intraocular lens implantation is the safest and most successful surgical procedure performed today. Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy have performed cataract removal with an intraocular lens implantation over 40,000 times. They typically operate at their outpatient surgery center with the aid of topical or local anesthetic. There is minimum discomfort. The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and patients spend about two hours from start to finish in the surgical facility.

As with any procedure, there are inherent risks, and results cannot be guaranteed. Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy will explain the potential risks and benefits and help you decide whether cataract surgery with an AcrySof ® ReSTOR ® intraocular lens is right for you. Dr. Moretsky, Dr. Cassidy, and staff want you to know that your treatment will be determined by the nature of your cataract condition and your other occupational/personal needs. We will make every effort so you will receive the best possible care available. You should always feel free to ask the doctors any questions you may have.

ReSTOR ® Intraocular Lens: FDA approved and available by upgrade charge.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use and the Medicare Administration now allows Medicare patients to receive advanced technology, intraocular lenses implants that permit viewing at distance and near. The center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a ruling May 3, 2005 that Medicare beneficiaries will be allowed to purchase an upgrade from a conventional monofocal intraocular lens to a deluxe presbyopia correcting ReStor ® intraocular lens. The beneficiaries are responsible for paying additional charges associated with the presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses beyond the cost of the standard (monofocal) intraocular lens already covered by Medicare or other insurance carriers.

What our Patients are Saying

Testimonials

Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction is proud to be the first practice to bring the ReStor® Lens technology to Arizona. We are constantly trying to offer our patients the latest advancements in eye care.

Here are what patients are saying after choosing the ReStor® Lens implant procedure:


Dear Dr. Moretsky,

I want to thank you for the incredible surgery you performed on my eyes. I have waited four months now to write you for I wanted to be sure all was OK.

Well the LASIK and Cataract surgery was extremely successful. No Pain, No Fuss, No muss, Just great results.

I again can follow that little white golf ball and even find it when it goes astray. But the thing I liked the best is no glasses and the fact that there is truly the most beautiful colors. I had forgotten what sky blue really looks like and this is terrific.

Your staff was fabulous, always on time, very courteous and kept me informed as to the procedure and details of what was going on. Thank them for me please.

I would and will recommend you and this procedure in a heart beat... NO,
I would in a blink of an eye!

Thank you,
David M. Barnard