ReSTOR®/ReZoom™/Crystalens™
Austin, Texas

After age 40, vision cannot be effectively corrected with LASIK or any of its variants. Presbyopia, the decreasing ability to focus near and far, begins to occur.  The tiny muscles become weaker over time. The lens itself becomes hardened, making it difficult to change its shape or convexity, which allows for different focal lengths.
Presbyopia is not a corneal problem like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  With these problems, the excimer laser can correct vision by modifying the shape of the cornea. Instead, presbyopia is a lens problem.

Lens Replacement Surgery

ReSTOR®, ReZoom™, and Crystalens™ are types of intraocular lenses, which are inserted in a simple outpatient procedure similar to cataract surgery. Dr. Howerton will determine which lens is best on an individual and per eye basis.

ReSTOR®

The ReSTOR lens has a patented design, which uses apodization. This enables it to focus light properly on the retina for objects at all distances without the lens having to move. It has little supporting arms to keep it in position.
The ReSTOR lens is FDA approved for use after cataract surgery. It’s good for people who need to be less dependent on glasses and don’t necessarily have presbyopia. Anyone in good general health can be a candidate for ReSTOR® with a few exceptions:
People who need to have good night vision
Anyone who flies planes, commercially or as amateurs
People who have long-standing problems with glare
Those that have had LASIK or other corneal laser eye surgeries may qualify for a ReSTOR® implant dependant upon the health of the eye. Dr. Howerton can determine if ReSTOR’s the best option.

ReZoom™

ReZoom is a multifocal lens that may treat both cataracts and presbyopia for those who who want to discard their glasses. It uses a patented lens design called Balanced View Optics™ Technology.  ReZoom has five different visual zones, each designed for different lighting and focal distances. They’re designed to enable night driving as well as reading in bright light. Some people may occasionally need glasses for these activities. 
Most people need a few weeks to adapt and learn how to adjust to the five zones on the lens.

Crystalens™

Crystalens is an accommodating lens. It has the ability to move, unlike the other types of intraocular lenses mentioned. On each side it has a hinge that works with tiny muscles inside the eye to allow focusing at near, intermediate, and far.
It’s made of a type of silicone called Biosil™. Before it’s inserted, Dr. Howerton will take very precise measurements of the eye, as with any lens, to determine the correct lens power.

The Insertion Procedure

It’s an outpatient procedure.
First, the eyes are numbed with eye drops
A tiny incision is made on the outside edge of the cornea
A microscopic instrument which uses ultrasound is inserted through the incision
The ultrasound gently disintegrates the natural defective lens
The pieces are tiny and are drawn out of the eye using a tiny probe
The new lens is inserted through the same tiny incision and positioned properly

Adjustment period

Each lens requires a few weeks for adjustment, although clear vision is obtained almost immediately. People adapt well to these lenses; whether it’s the new light distribution of ReSTOR®, the five zones of ReZoom™, or the hinges and changing shape of the Crystalens™.
Dr. Howerton personally does the follow-up visits to ensure the recovery period is smooth and effective. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you’re considering any of these three lenses, please feel free to contact us.

Call for your free consultation!