Intraocular Lenses – Restor® and Crystalens® IOL Options – Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas

If you are suffering from the effects of cataracts or age-related presbyopia, intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be an excellent solution. IOLs replace the eye's natural lens, improving visual acuity and reducing or eliminating a patient's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Northwest Eye provides two types of premium lens IOLs , the Acrysof® ReSTOR® and the Crystalens® IOL, for patients in Minneapolis, Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding Minnesota communities. (We also frequently treat patients from various locations around the globe.) Contact Northwest Eye today to learn more about how you may benefit from intraocular lenses.

What is an IOL?

IOLs are artificial, implantable lenses used to correct problems with the eye's natural lens - the part of the eye that thickens, bends, and flexes (accommodates) to focus light entering the eye. When the eye's natural lens becomes clouded by cataracts or obstructed by the effects of age-related presbyopia, replacing the lens with an IOL can improve visual acuity. Northwest Eye provides sophisticated multifocal IOLs (ReStor® and Crystalens®), which allow a patient to focus on near, intermediate, and faraway objects. We also provide toric and phakic IOL options (designed to treat astigmatism and myopia, respectively).

For more information on Crystalens®, ReSTOR®, and other IOL options, contact our offices serving Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding areas of Minnesota.

AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOLs

AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOLs are constructed to closely mimic the focusing ability of the eye's natural lens. They use refractive technology like that used in microscopes to focus smoothly on objects at varying distances. Patients who receive ReSTOR® IOLs usually enjoy dramatically-improved vision with the help of glasses or improved visual functioning without glasses.

Benefits of ReSTOR® IOLs

The benefits of ReSTOR® IOLs are numerous. For example, ReSTOR® IOLs provide:

  • A wide range of vision. These IOLs are designed to focus on, and transition smoothly between, objects at varying distances.
  • The ability to decipher small font sizes easily. Studies have shown patients with ReSTOR® IOLs to be able to read small type (for example, newspaper type) more easily than patients with standard intraocular lenses.
  • Adequate vision in various lighting situations. The ReSTOR® IOL is able to focus on light waves both near and far, which provides adequate vision in situations with varied lighting.

Crystalens® IOLs

Crystalens® IOLs are the first FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens. By re-creating the visual accommodation of the eye's natural lens, using the eye's own muscles, Crystalens® IOLs allow patients to focus easily on objects near and far. Patients can enjoy crisp, clear vision similar to that of their youth.

Benefits of Crystalens® IOLs

The numerous benefits of Crystalens® IOLs include that they:

  • Focus only one image to the back of the eye. In doing so, Crystalens® IOLs reduce glare, halos, and night vision.
  • Provide long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Crystalens® patients enjoy improved visual acuity seven years after surgery and longer.
  • Reduce the need for neuroadaptation. Since the Crystalens® focuses all light entering the eye, the eye itself does not need to neuroadapt to view multiple images.

Contact Northwest Eye for more information on Crystalens®, ReSTOR®, and other IOL options. We welcome patients from Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding Twin Cities areas, as well as international locations.

Candidates for IOLs

Most people who are healthy enough to recover from surgery are candidates for IOL placement surgery. A patient must also have sufficient corneal thickness (and a lack of corneal scarring) to protect the IOL in the eye. Patients with a history of eye disease, persistently dry eyes, certain other diseases, and those who are pregnant or use a pacemaker may not be candidates.

Contact Northwest Eye

If you are considering your treatment options for cataracts or age-related presbyopia, consider ReSTOR® or Crystalens®, advanced IOL options. Individuals in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, and surrounding areas of Minnesota (as well as international locations) should contact Northwest Eye today to schedule a consultation regarding this remarkable treatment option.