Accommodating and Multifocal IOLs

By Michele Boyer
Lens implants should last a lifetime, so, if you've been considering vision correction, whether laser eye surgery or a clear lens exchange with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, you'll want to know what's special about some of the newer lens implants available. Until recently, intraocular lenses were fixed focus only. Now, for people electing cataract or clear lens exchange surgery, three accommodating or multifocal lenses are available that offer variable distance focus capability. These are Crystalens, ReZoom, and ReSTOR.

Accommodating and multifocal lenses offer multiple levels of focus through a single lens, often eliminating the need for reading glasses. In contrast, non-accommodating IOLs that have historically used for cataracts or clear lens exchange are single focus, usually fixed at distance vision. Alternatively, monovision can be chosen, which corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near vision.
Crystalens is the accommodating IOL from Eyeonics, Inc. It can provide vision in distance, near and mid-ranges. While used mostly to replace cataracts, it may also be useful to correct RLE and as an alternative to monovision corrective procedures.

The Crystalens® accommodating IOL is controlled by the eyes' natural muscles, and is moved forward and backwards, in a way similar to the natural crystalline lens that is being replaced. This is a much more natural way for the eye to function. The Crystalens design provides the best night vision of the three accommodating lenses. This is especially valuable for people who do a lot of night driving.

ReZoom® lens, by Advanced medical Optics, Inc., is a multifocal IOL that provides three zones of focus. Unlike Crystalens, it doesn't move as the eyes muscles contract, but is stationary. Distance and midrange vision are corrected immediately, and there is generally no period of adjustment to these lenses. The ReZoom lens provides good correction for distance and mid ranges, but glasses may be needed for near vision, such as reading. There may also be some night glare from lights, such as headlights, so this may not be the best choice if you do a lot of night driving.

ReSTOR® Lens, by Acrysof® is another multifocal lens that is stationary. It provides good distance and near vision by blending the focusing power gradually across the surface of the lens. Mid-range vision may be less clear than with ReZoom or Crystalens, and glasses may be required for that range, (computer use or other vision at about arm's length). Like ReZoom, this lens may cause people to see halos around lights and may not be the best choice for people who do a lot of night driving.

Click here to view a chart that should help in understanding the differences between IOL's.
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