Currently approved by the FDA for implantation only at the time of cataract surgery, this exciting new lens implant provides correction of both distance and near vision without the need for glasses. Although some people notice glare and halos around lights at night,  the greatly reduced dependence on eyeglasses more than offsets this sometimes annoying side effect.  Occasionally, some patients receiving this lens implant will require weak reading glasses while working at the computer and very rarely, eyeglasses may be required for some tasks at near.  Some patients may choose to receive the ReSTOR lens implant to reduce their dependence on glasses before they develop cataracts.  The patient must, however, understand that this is an “off-label” use of this product (not FDA approved for this purpose) and must sign an informed consent that states that they understand this fact as well as all of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

The Acrysof Toric Implant is a special premium implant that is placed in the eye at the time of cataract surgery.  The implant helps to greatly reduce naturally occurring astigmatism.  Like the ReSTOR lens implant, it can only be implanted in patients with visually significant cataracts. 

These are small incisions placed on the edge of the cornea (the clear dome over the front of the eye).  When used appropriately, these incision can be very effective in reducing or eliminating astigmatism.  This procedure can be performed in the office using a local anesthetic.