A BRIEF HISTORY OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES The evolution of cataract surgery took a giant step forward in 1949, when an English eye doctor named Harold Ridley developed and implanted the first intraocular lens. This lens was designed to imitate the natural human lens and was made of a hard plastic called Plexiglas*, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). INTRAOCULAR LENSES Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are designed to replace a cataract and allow clear vision. The cloudy lens is removed, and the IOL is surgically implanted. Two “arms” attached to the lens keep the lens properly positioned in the eye. Until recently, this was a monofocal lens, capable of one focal point, usually for “distance” vision. As a result, many patients still required reading glasses or correction for “near” vision. SEEING THE BIG PICTURE WITHOUT MISSING THE DETAIL There was a time when cataract surgery could only restore a patient’s distance vision. But today, thanks to the the latest technology, we can help you enjoy crisp, clear, glasses-free vision from near to far. HOW DOES THE LENS WORK? The AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens is a breakthrough because it corrects cataracts with or without presbyopia. Presbyopia is the reason many patients need reading glasses as their eyes age. Unlike traditional monofocal IOLs, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens is a multifocal IOL, designed to restore your full range of vision, from the pages of a book, to your computer screen, to scenic landscapes. As the name implies, monofocal lenses can only give you clear distance vision–you still need reading glasses. The CrystaLens IOL is an accommodative lens and uses the natural focusing ability of the eye and provides a single focal point throughout a full range of vision from near to far. THE LEADING CHOICE FOR CATARACTS AND ASTIGMATISM If you have astigmatism and cataracts, we may recommend another advanced lens called the AcrySof® Toric lens. It’s the first IOL that treats pre-existing astigmatism at the same time it corrects cataracts, so you don’t have to undergo two separate procedures. You will also enjoy improved quality distance vision. LIFE CHANGING RESULTS IN MINUTES Whichever IOL you choose, rest assured cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures performed today. We simply make a tiny incision in your eye, remove its natural clouded lens, and replace it with a new lens. The actual surgery can take minutes and the results are permanent and life changing. Most patients are back to their normal activity the very next day. Your eye doctor will implant the lens in one eye, then schedule an appointment for your second eye–usually a week later. LATEST ADVANCES ALONG THE LAKESHORE Shoreline Vision is the most experienced eye care practice in and around the Lakeshore utilizing the latest technology available in lenses for cataract surgery. The Surgery Center at Shoreline Vision has become the area’s premier facility for eye surgery since its doors opened in May 2006. We’re proud to offer AcrySof® and CrystaLens implants as part of our ongoing commitment to patients who want the latest advances, the best vision, and the highest quality of life.