The AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens delivers the potential for freedom from reading glasses or bifocals for cataract patients to improve vision for everyday life.
How does the performance of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens compare with conventional monofocal lenses?
During the clinical study, four out of five AcrySof® ReSTOR® patients found that they no longer needed their glasses after having the lens implanted in both eyes, compared to only 8% of patients with monofocal lenses.
Other advantages include:
• Full range of vision. With this increase in vision quality, AcrySof® ReSTOR® patients would be able to pass the visual acuity portion of the driver's license exam in most states.
• The ability to read small type quickly and easily. While only one of 13 patients with the other IOL could read small type, four of five AcrySof® ReSTOR® patients were still able to read small type.
• Better vision in all lighting situations. Whether in brightly or dimly lit conditions the apodized diffractive optics of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens minimizes the occurrence and severity of visual disturbances compared to other multifocal technology
As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks and benefits. While there may be a decrease in the need for glasses some patients may notice rings around lights at night. These side effects may make it more difficult to drive at night or perform tasks in low light conditions. While virtually everyone experiences an improvement in vision after cataract surgery, some people will have better uncorrected vision than others. Therefore, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor who will let you know if the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens is right for you.
One of the leading causes of blindness, is estimated to affect 1 of every 50 adults. Although glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after the age of 35. Glaucoma is also more likely to develop in persons who are severely nearsighted, persons with a family history of the condition, diabetics, and blacks. Because the symptoms of early glaucoma are so slight, the disease often goes unnoticed until permanent vision loss occurs. However, with early diagnosis and careful treatment, visual damage from glaucoma can be prevented.
Aqua Flow TM Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device
Aqua Flow TM is an absorbable collagen implant for use in non-penetrating surgery for primary open angle glaucoma. Its purpose is to facilitate drainage of fluid from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure.
If you are a patient with glaucoma and have been unsuccessful with lowering the intraocular pressure with eye drops, you may be a candidate for the Aqua Flow TM Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device. This is safer than conventional treatments.
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve, the part of the eye which receives images collected by the retina and sends them to the brain. Every eye maintains a certain amount of internal pressure, called intraocular pressure. When this pressure rises to abnormal levels however, it can put extra stress on the optic nerve, causing significant damage. Optic nerve damage results in loss of vision, and ultimately blindness.
The front of the eye is constantly producing a fluid called aqueous humor. A healthy eye will continually produce small amounts of aqueous humor to ensure consistent pressure within the eye. When normal drainage becomes slowed or blocked, pressure increases, and may lead to glaucoma. There are several different types of glaucoma the two most common types being chronic open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
Chronic open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and usually develops with age. With this type of glaucoma, pressure gradually increases around the eye causing it to work less effectively over a period of time. There are no symptoms in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma. Peripheral vision is usually the first to deteriorate. As the disease becomes more advanced, blank spots begin to appear in one’s vision. If left untreated, it eventually develops to blindness. The best way to avoid serious vision loss is early diagnosis and treatment.
Risk factors for chronic open-angle glaucoma include:
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Advanced age.
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Family history of the disease.
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Higher-than-normal intraocular pressure.
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Certain ethnic races, particularly those of African descent.
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Certain diseases or conditions, especially diabetes, farsightedness or nearsightedness, or previous eye trauma or surgery.
Closed-angle glaucoma is less prevalent, but is considered a real eye emergency. This type of glaucoma occurs when a patient’s pupil moves or dilates and actually blocks off the drainage angles in the eye. This is considered a medical emergency in which an ophthalmologist should be contacted immediately to avoid any loss of vision.
Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma include:
High risk factors for closed-angle glaucoma include:
Treatments for glaucoma:
There are a wide range of treatments for the disease, including medication, laser surgery and traditional surgery. The treatment (or combination of treatments) for an individual is chosen based upon the type of glaucoma and other details of the particular case. One option is medication such as prescription eye drops which help to reduce intraocular pressure, or pills called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors which slow down fluid production within the eye.
Laser surgery has also become a common treatment option for glaucoma. For open-angle glaucoma the doctor may choose a trabeculoplasty, a painless laser procedure which uses light to shrink and stretch eye tissue to allow more drainage of fluid. For closed-angle cases, in which the iris is blocking drainage of aqueous humor, a laser surgery called iridotomy may be preformed.
Other glaucoma treatment options involve various traditional surgeries. A common surgery for open-angle glaucoma is the trabeculectomy, where a doctor creates a small flap in the sclera (white part of the eye). Underneath the surface of the sclera, the doctor creates a small reservoir, called a filtration bleb, into which aqueous fluid may drain and then be disbursed, further reducing intraocular pressure.
There are a number of treatments available for Glaucoma patients. If diagnosed with glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will consult with you on your options in order to maintain the best possible health of your eyes.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.