Recently, the FDA approved the long-anticipated ReSTOR lens manufactured by Alcon Surgical, one of the leading optics manufacturers in the United States for 50 years.
As with Crystalens, Refractive Lensectomy addresses the underlying problem with presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) by replacing the existing crystalline lens with the multifocal ReSTOR. Unlike accommodative lens, the ReSTOR does not depend on contraction of the ciliary muscle to move the lens to create a range of vision. It is made of AcrySof, a material that has been implanted 21 million times since the early 1990s as part of another IOL.
Instead, the ReSTOR has a central 3.6-mm diffractive region that facilitates both near and distance vision. It gradually blends into the outer (refractive) portion of the optic through a controlled 12-step height reduction called "apodization". In normal lighting conditions, the apodized diffractive portion of the ReSTOR lens sends optimal light to both near and distance focal points, providing a full range of quality vision. In dimly lit conditions the refractive portion sends greater light energy to the distant focal point for enhanced distance vision.
Amazingly, these "step heights" are smaller than a human hair or a red blood cell. For example, the thickness of a human hair is equal to 60 microns, and a red blood cell is equal to seven microns.
The FDA trial results showed 80 percent of ReSTOR patients "never" needed glasses following surgery. The ReSTOR provided excellent near and distance vision - and very good intermediate vision - compared with conventional monofocal intraocular lens (IOLs). Previously, cataract patients received a monofocal - or single focus - lens that required some type of glasses.
In an independent study in which ReSTOR was compared to the Array TM IOL and monofocal IOL in terms of reading performance (whether they could read paragraphs of decreasing size). Four of five ReSTOR patients were able to read small type at 20/16. Only one in 7 Array patients was able to read small type at 20/16. And none of the multifocal patients were able to read small type at 20/16.
Most importantly, 94 percent of patients who received the ReSTOR lens were so satisfied with their new vision they would have the procedure again.
Dr. Edward Rashid 
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Rashid received his medical degree from the Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois in 1976. He then completed his internship in internal medicine at Keesler AFB and a three year residency in Ophthalmology at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, San Antonio, TX. He was certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1981. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Rashid is a Full Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He is also honored to serve as the Team Eye Surgeon for the San Antonio Spurs NBA basketball team.
Dr. Rashid went on to pursue advanced fellowship training at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in two different specialties. He spent a year in intensive training in cornea and external diseases of the eye and later another specialized year of training in refractive surgery. While in the Air Force, Dr. Rashid practiced in Europe and was the Ophthalmology Consultant to the European Surgeon General.
During his fellowship, Dr. Rashid became very involved in the early research and development of refractive surgery. He was involved in the historic P.E.R.K study (Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy). He tested the first lasers used for refractive surgery and was involved in some of the most pioneering, experimental procedures used to correct corneal refractive errors.
During his career at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Dr. Rashid became the Chief of the Refractive Surgery section and the Chief of Cornea and External Disease Service. He also served as the Residency Training Director of the Air Force Ophthalmology Department and spent three years as the Vice Chairman of the Department Of Ophthalmology. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 1990, he continued as a special consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General for refractive surgery.
In 1987 Dr. Rashid was selected for a second fellowship in refractive surgery. For one year, he traveled the country to study with four world-renowned refractive surgeons. Since then, he has been invited by his peers to lecture nationally and internationally and has authored chapters in current textbooks and presented numerous scientific papers on various aspects of refractive surgery. He has also been involved in several F.D.A clinical studies. In addition to his involvement with the University of Texas, Dr. Rashid has been appointed an Associate Clinical Professor for the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Rashid was selected by his peers and is currently honored in The Best Doctors In America listing which is widely regarded as the preeminent publication of its kind in the country. Every year over 35, 000 physicians are asked to rate the clinical abilities of their fellow physicians in their area of specialization. These top physicians are selected for their superior clinical abilities. The Best Doctors listing has been featured on "60 Minutes," "The Today Show," and CNN's "Headline News," as well as in the national print media (USA Today, The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post) and scores of major metropolitan magazines.
The key to Dr. Rashid's success is his philosophy of providing quality personal care. His reputation for being a highly skilled corneal physician is uniquely complimented by a true humanitarian nature and a commitment to giving each and every patient his undivided attention.
Dr. Edward Rashid is currently in private practice in San Antonio, Texas where he has performed thousands of refractive surgery procedures including PRK and LASIK. He established the Alamo Laser Vision Center in 1999 where he currently serves as President and Medical Director.
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