ReZoom IOL – Correction for Cataracts and Reading Vision
The ReZoom Multifocal Lens is a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) that received FDA approval in March 2005 for cataract surgery performed in the United States. The lens is marketed by Advanced Medical Optics (Santa Ana, CA).
Eye surgeons can also implant the ReZoom Multifocal in refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery as an "off-label" use.
As part of the FDA approval process, the manufacturer of an intraocular lens (IOL) or other medical device produces a "label" to explain its use. Once the device is approved by the FDA, physicians may use it "off-label" for other purposes if they are well-informed about the product, base its use on firm scientific method and sound medical evidence, and maintain records of its use and effects. ReZoom Multifocal IOLs are FDA-approved for use in cataract surgery. Their use in patients having refractive lens exchange surgery is considered an "off-label" use.)
ReZoom Multifocal IOL Design
The ReZoom Multifocal lens has five focusing zones for a full range of vision at all distances:
- The central zone of the lens is for distance vision, especially in bright light when the pupil is constricted.
- The first of four concentric rings around the central distance zone is a near-dominant zone. It contains a lens power that provides good near vision in a variety of lighting conditions.
- The next ring is a second distance zone that supports good distance vision in moderate-to-low light situations.
- The third ring is another near zone to support good near vision in a variety of ambient lighting.
- The final concentric zone is another distance-dominant zone to support good distance vision in low light, such as when driving at night.
The ReZoom Multifocal IOL is made of a flexible acrylic material that allows the lens to be folded and introduced into the eye in small-incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
Effectiveness of the ReZoom Multifocal IOL
According to Advanced Medical Optics (AMO), a clinical study of the ReZoom Multifocal IOL found:
- 92 percent of patients having the IOL implanted in their eyes never or only occasionally needed glasses after surgery.
- Approximately 93 percent of patients having cataract surgery with the ReZoom Multifocal IOL said they did not need glasses for distance vision after surgery.
- Nearly 82 percent of cataracts patients with ReZoom Multifocal IOLs did not need to use glasses for near vision after surgery.
Teaming ReZoom Multifocal IOLs with Other Premium IOLs
Though patient satisfaction with ReZoom Multifocal IOLs is very high, some people who have the lenses implanted may experience glare, halos or inadequate near vision. To overcome these issues and to give their patients the best possible vision at all distances, some cataract surgeons choose to implant a ReZoom Multifocal IOL in one eye and a different IOL in the other eye.
If distance vision seems too compromised with a ReZoom Multifocal IOL implanted in one eye, the surgeon may choose a premium monofocal IOL with aspheric optics in the other eye. This technique is referred to as modified monovision, and is weighted toward providing better distance vision than near vision.
Or a surgeon may choose to implant a ReZoom Multifocal IOL in one eye and a different brand of multifocal IOL in the other eye for optimum combined vision at all distances.
ReZoom Multifocal IOL Cost
According to a leading vision care industry analyst, most cataract surgeons in the U.S. charge approximately $3,500 to $5,000 per eye for ReZoom Multifocal IOL surgery. This total fee includes all aspects of the procedure, including the lens and follow-up exams after surgery.
If you currently have Medicare or other health insurance that covers cataract surgery with a conventional monofocal IOL, you can expect your out-of-pocket contribution for upgrading to the ReZoom Multifocal IOL to be approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per eye.
You can lower your out-of-pocket costs for ReZoom Multifocal IOLs by setting up a Health Savings Account (HSA) at your bank or contributing to flexible health benefits program at work. The latter account allows you to save money to cover the costs of various refractive procedures, including LASIK eye surgery cost and expenses associated with LASEK, Epi-LASIK and Presby-LASIK eye surgery. Many refractive surgeons also offer financing programs that allow you to pay for the procedure over time at attractive interest rates or interest-free over a limited time frame.
Note: This information is for general education purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice from your eye doctor or refractive surgeon.
