FORT MYERS/NAPLES – On Monday, May 9, local ophthalmologist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, became the first surgeon in Southwest to implant the new Alcon AcrySof ReSTOR® intraocular lens. Although approved in March of this year by the FDA for cataract patients with and without presbyopia, the lens just became available to eye surgeons this week. The ReSTOR Lens can also be implanted in a patient with incipient cataracts as a refractive procedure; however, is considered off-label use for patients without cataracts.
According to Dr. Frantz, “This innovative lens uses a revolutionary apodized diffractive technology to give patients a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate, and distance) that greatly increases their independence from glasses after surgery.” The clinical studies supporting the approval showed that 80% of patients who received the ReSTOR® Lens did not use glasses for any activities after surgery.
“Although similar to the Crystalens® in what it offers, the ReSTOR® Lens is not an accommodating lens like the Crystalens®,” explains Dr. Frantz. The ReSTOR® Lens is a foldable IOL. According to Alcon, it’s unique diffractive optic design allows the lens to focus light correctly on the retina for images at various distances without mechanical movement of the lens.
Dr. Frantz will be discussing both lenses at two free public seminars this month: Tuesday, May 17, at 6 pm in the Florida Eye Health Fort Myers office, 12731 New Brittany Blvd., and on Thursday, May 26, at 6 pm in Dr. Frantz’s Naples office, 2100 Tamiami Trail North.
If interested in learning more about the ReSTOR® or Crystalens®, call 791-2020 for a reservation to attend one of the seminars or for a complimentary screening to find out if you are a candidate for one of these lens implants.
