It’s a natural change for people in their 40s and 50s – the eyes lose their ability to focus on nearby objects. For years, doctors have corrected this condition, called presbyopia, using glasses or contact lenses.
One common misconception is that certain laser surgeries such as conventional LASIK, PRK and LASIK can correct presbyopia. But they cannot, because they reshape the cornea rather than treat the lens.
The newest multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implants can correct presbyopia, minimizing or even eliminating the need to depend on glasses. Most frequently used in cataract patients, multifocal lenses can also be used in patients without cataracts. Medicare even covers the distance portion of the lens while the patient pays for the near or presbyopic component.
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The newer lenses are a vast improvement over traditional lenses for cataracts, which only corrected distance vision,” Dr. Bowden explains. “That meant that after cataract surgery, patients would have to use reading glasses. Also, with some of the earlier IOLs, some patients reported glare or halos around lights as a side effect. In our experience, the newer lenses make this less of a problem.”
In addition to a thorough eye examination, Dr. Bowden and associate Subir S. Bhatia, M.D., take time to consult with each patient to learn about their lifestyle and vision correction expectations. They’ll discuss whether the patient spends a lot of time reading, using the computer, or playing sports, for example. They will then recommend the most suitable vision correction recommendations based on a patient’s individual needs.
Two of the most frequently used multifocal lens implants at Bowden Eye Associates are the ReZoomTM and ReSTOR® lenses.
Among the advanced features of the ReZoom Multifocal Lens are its multiple focal points. These allow patients to see well at a variety of distances in varying light conditions. The ReSTOR lens uses optical technology similar to that used in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality. A thorough eye exam and consultation can help determine whether either of these lenses may be suitable for an individual patient.
Frank W. Bowden, III, M.D., FACS
Recipient of “Best Doctor” Honors
Dr. Bowden founded Bowden Eye Associates in January 2001 with a focus on comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery, glaucoma treatment, corneal and external diseases, corneal transplantation and ocular surface reconstruction. Dr. Bowden is board certified in Ophthalmology and is a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He is also a Courtesy Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Jacksonville.
After graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Dr. Bowden earned his medical doctorate in 1979 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, where he was valedictorian of his class. His post-graduate training included an internship and Ophthalmology residency at Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, and a fellowship in Cornea/External Disease at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Before founding Bowden Eye Associates, Dr. Bowden served as a battalion surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (REIN) in 29 Palms, CA; a General Medicine Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps, also in 29 Palms; and a staff ophthalmologist for the U.S. Naval Service at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. He also established a private ophthalmology practice in 1988 and in 1989 founded the Baptist Eye Institute, of which he was a member until 2000.
Dr. Bowden was honored as one of the Top Doctors in Jacksonville by Jacksonville Magazine in 2004 and 2005. Dr Bowden prides himself in offering the latest in cutting edge technology to his patients.
Subir S. Bhatia, M.D.,
Cornea Specialist and Flying Hospital Volunteer
Subir S. Bhatia, M.D. joined Bowden Eye Associates in 2006. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a fellowship-trained cornea specialist. Dr. Bhatia is a former Director of Refractive Surgery at the University of Florida. He like Dr. Bowden has extensive experience in the treatment of keratoconus, dry eye, ocular allergies, complicated cataracts and corneal infections.
Prior to joining Bowden Eye Associates Dr Bhatia served as an assistant professor at the University of Florida where he trained ophthalmologists and corneal specialists. Dr. Bhatia offers many innovative techniques for difficult-to-treat ocular conditions. Dr. Bhatia earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio. He completed his internship at UC Davis, an Ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College, and a Cornea fellowship at the University of Florida.
In March 2007, Dr. Bhatia was among a group of leading healthcare professionals who volunteered to serve with the ORBIS Flying Hospital project. Dr. Bhatia assisted with the program’s teaching and ophthalmic surgery services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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questions about these lenses and the lens replacement procedure. For more information on these lenses, consult with your ophthalmologist.
Q: Will I still need to wear glasses if my surgeon recommends ReZoom?
A: The results will vary depending upon your vision, lifestyle and the anatomy of your eyes. Most people find that they need glasses to read small type or drive at night. Most people, however, can go to the store or conduct many of their day’s activities without depending on glasses. In a clinical study, 92 percent of those who received the technology in ReZoom Multifocal Lenses “never” or only “occasionally” needed to wear glasses.
Q: How is the ReZoom Multifocal Lens different from traditional
monofocal intraocular lenses?
A: The ReZoom Multifocal Lens is a multifocal intraocular lens. Unlike traditional monofocal (single vision) lens implants, the ReZoom Multifocal Lens provides quality vision at all
distances – near (reading), intermediate (computer use or cooking), and far (driving). Traditional monofocal lenses usually provide good vision only at a distance with limited
ability to see objects that are near without glasses.
Q: How does the ReZoom Multifocal Lens replace the cataract?
A: The natural lens inside the eye is gently removed through a tiny incision in the periphery of your eye’s cornea. The cataract-impaired lens is then removed through this incision and the lens implant is inserted in its place to permanently replace it. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 45 minutes and vision is usually improved immediately.
Q: Does the ReZoom Multifocal Lens require an adjustment period?
A: Yes. For most people there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up close and at a distance with the new lens. This adjustment period is usually complete within 6 to 12 weeks. Also, like all multifocal lenses, some people report halos or glares around lights. Again, 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,
intermediate and far outweighs any visual side effects associated with the lens.
Source for above Q & A: www.rezoomiol.com
Q: How is the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL different from monofocal lenses?
A: Monofocal IOLs focus at only one distance, meaning that you will likely need glasses
following surgery either for distance or near, and sometimes for both. The AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL differs from regular monofocal IOLs in that it focuses at distance and near, decreasing your dependency on glasses at all distances.
Q: Is surgery the only option to treat a cataract?
A: Just because you have a cataract does not mean that you have to have it removed. Cataract surgery only becomes necessary if you are not happy with your vision and want to see better. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your vision.
Q: After surgery, will I be able to drive at night?
A: Your ability to drive at night should be much enhanced once your cataract is removed. Patients with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL may notice a ring of light around headlights and other point-light sources. These are typically mild, rarely bothersome, and tend to diminish with time.
Q: How long until I can return to normal activities?
A: Most patients can resume normal basic activities like reading and watching TV by the next day, and return to work within two to seven days. Doctors typically recommend against any strenuous activity for two or more weeks. However, results vary for different patients, so you should ask your doctor what is best for you.
Source for above Q & A: www.acrysofrestor.com