EXCITING NEW CATARACT TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE LOCALLY

 The ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens treats not only cataracts, but is also turns back the clock to bring back much of a persons ability to see up close and at a distance.  For many this new technology can mean independence from glasses and contacts. 

 REZOOM MULTI FOCAL INTRAOCULAR LENS

 Unlike other earlier multifocal lens designs, the ReZoom™ Multifocal Lens has proportioned the size of it’s optical zones to provide for good vision in a range of light conditions. For instance, some zones have been designed to offer greater low light and distance vision support during night driving.

If you are diagnosed with cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following issues, you may be a candidate for the ReZoom™ Multifocal lens:

• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty seeing close objects
• Difficulty seeing to drive, especially at night
• Changing glasses prescriptions
• Needing bifocals

 TREATING A CATARACT

 Because there is presently no medical treatment for cataracts (the browning and clouding of your natural lens), surgical removal of the cataract lens of the eye is often necessary. In the majority of cases, it is replaced with a tiny, artificial lens that is inserted into the eye to restore vision.  This man-made lens is called an intraocular lens, or IOL in short.

 Now with the availability of the ReZoom IOL, there is a choice as to the lens replacement used.  Traditional replacement lenses are of high quality, but only have one focus point.  With the new ReZoom lens, eyes can now see both far away and up close, minimizing or eliminating the need for glasses.

 THE PROCEDURE

 Cataract removal is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under local or topical anesthesia.  Intravenous sedation is provided to allow for a calm, pain-free procedure.  With the cataract removal process lasting only about 20 minutes, the entire procedure from arriving at the operating facility to returning home, usually takes only a couple of hours.

 To remove the cataract, your doctor will use a technique called phacoemulsification (phaco), says Dr. Stan Feil from the Visalia Eye Center. 

 Your doctor will make a 3 millimeter incision into the eye, and using the most advanced surgical technology, with break up the cataract into small pieces and remove it.

 According to Dr. Stan Feil, the only cornea specialist in Tulare County, the IOL will be inserted through the same tiny incision, and placed into the lens capsule of the eye.  Because this procedure is performed through an incision that is very small, your eye will be able to heal rapidly with little or no discomfort, and without sutures.

 The Visalia Eye Center is now offering this breakthrough technology.  Call them at (559) 733 4372 or e-mail Dr. Stan at sfeil@visaliaeye.com if you have any questions.

Click here if you would like to see videos on the REZOOM Procedure.

 Frequently asked questions about ReZoom Multifocal Lens Implants

 ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO HAVING THE REZOOM PROCEDURE?

 Yes.  With any surgical procedure there are risks.  The most feared risk with any cataract procedure is infection, but this is rare, happening in less than 0.2% of all procedures done.  Most infections can be treated successfully with medications, but infection can cause severe or total loss of vision.

 DOES THE REZOOM MULTIFOCAL LENS REQUIRE AN ADJUSTMENT PERIOD?

 Yes.  For most people there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up close and at a distance.  The adjustment period is usually complete within 6 – 12 weeks.  Like all multifocal lenses, some people report halos or glare in their vision.  For most people this diminishes over time.  For some, it becomes less troublesome but never completely goes away.  Most people report that the ability to see near and far outweighs any visual side effects associated with the lens.

 HOW LONG AFTER SUGERY UNTIL I SEE MY BEST?

 Like most procedures, this depends upon the overall health of the eye.  For most people, vision is noticeably better the day after surgery and continues to improve during the first few weeks after the procedure.

 HOW IS THE REZOOM MULTIFOCAL IOL DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL SINGLE-VISION INTRAOCULAR LENSES?

 Traditional single-vision lenses usually provide good vision only at a distance, or at near.  The ReZoom IOL is a multifocal intraocular lens.  It provides patients with the ability to see objects both up close (reading distance) and at distance (driving, watching T.V.) without glasses.

 WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR GLASSES IF MY SURGEON RECOMMENDS A REZOOM MULTIFOCAL LENS?

 Results will vary depending upon your vision, lifestyle and the anatomy of your eyes.   Some people find that they may occasionally need glasses for some tasks.  Most people, however, can conduct their day’s activities without dependency on glasses.  Studies show that 92 % of those who received the technology in ReZoom multifocal lenses “never” or “hardly ever” needed to wear glasses.