Simultaneous bilateral implantation enhances results with AcrySof ReStor, surgeon says

FLORENCE, Italy — Simultaneous bilateral implantation of the Alcon AcrySof ReStor SA60D3 is a safe procedure that saves time and money for patient and surgeon and promotes faster visual recovery and adaptation to bifocal vision, according to Richard Packard, MD.

“Although there have been considerable advances in pseudoaccommodative lens technology, multifocality always requires some brain adaptation, which is made easier and faster if the task is addressed by the two eyes simultaneously,” Dr. Packard said here at the Florence Symposium.

Of 90 patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous surgery with implantation of the ReStor lens, none reported that they would have preferred to have their surgery done in two sessions, Dr. Packard said. All patients achieved at least 20/30 distance visual acuity and J3 near acuity unaided, and 97% said they were highly satisfied with the lenses, Dr. Packard said.

All patients were happy with their near vision, but seven said they would have liked a longer reading distance. No surgical complications were reported, he said.

Dr. Packard spoke at the Florence Symposium, the Joint Meeting of Ocular Surgery News, the Italian Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology.