Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Commonly asked questions about ReZOOM lens implant.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?

Although ReZOOM lenses are a breakthrough technology initially approved for cataract patients, with or without presbyopia (inability to read close up after age 45), it is not necessary to need cataract surgery to utilize the ReZOOM lens, just the desire to ReZOOM eyesight at a range of distances without corrective eyewear. In the absence of a medically significant cataract, the procedure would be a Refractive Lens Exchange, and this would represent an off-label use of the ReZOOM lens, which is currently only FDA approved for use in cataract surgery. A careful examination and discussion with our ophthalmologist will determine if you are a candidate for this lens implant.

If you have been diagnosed as having cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following vision problems, 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

The following types of patients should NOT have the AMO ReZOOM lens:

• Patients that are hypercritical with unrealistic expectations
• Patients with excessive complaints about their prescription
• Patients who drive at night for a living or whose occupation or hobbies depend on good night vision
• Patients who are amateur or commercial airline pilots
• Patients who have lifelong complaints about glare and halos or are bothered by glare at night
• Patients who are satisfied with wearing glasses
• Patients who want guarantees on surgical outcomes

How do I find out if I qualify as a candidate for the ReZOOM lens implant?

Please call Harvard Eye to schedule your qualifying exam. The best candidates will be those that have a strong desire to see well without glasses and have realistic expectations. Patients with ocular disease may not be good candidates for this implant. To find out if you are a candidate for this breakthrough in vision care and cataract surgery or simply for more information, please call us at Harvard Eye Associates.

What can I expect after my procedure?

Similar to other lens implant procedures, you can expect your vision to often be improved the day following surgery and vision typically further improves gradually over the next few weeks and even months.

How soon after the procedure will I be able to see at varying distances?

For most patients, near vision is good the next day, and both near and distance vision improves over the following weeks. Studies have shown that results are best when both eyes have ReZOOM lenses implanted. We usually wait 2-4 weeks between implants.

How many patients are 100% glasses free after having this procedure?

The results are very good. After having ReZOOM lenses implanted, 80% of patients say they never or seldom wear glasses.

Is the ReZOOM FDA approved?

Yes.

What are the risks/contraindications of this procedure?

While very rare, the dominant risk in any surgery is infection. Patients receive both preoperative antibiotics and postoperative antibiotics to minimize this risk. Lens implant surgery is one of the most successful and commonly performed surgeries in the US.

Is this a reversible procedure?

If the patient desires and if it is medically indicated, the ReZOOM lens implant can be removed and replaced with a different ReZOOM or with a different lens implant. Although potentially more common relative to a standard monofocal IOL, ReZOOM exchanges are still relatively uncommon because the benefit of a full range of vision usually outweighs any complaint of visual disturbance. The only medical indication for lens replacement would be if the lens power needed to be significantly changed, which is uncommon due to advanced eye measurements and calculations that your doctor performs prior to surgery.

Our Promise

As always, Harvard Eye Associates is first and foremost concerned about what is best for each individual patient. Call us today for your personalized consultation!

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