FDA Approves New Lens For Cataracts Patients

BOSTON (CBS) - The FDA has approved a new lens for people who suffer from cataracts. Doctors say the lens is giving patients back their natural vision and reducing the need for glasses.

Bruce Goldblatt owns a towing company so he relies on his eyes for work. He says his vision changed about a year and a half ago.

"I started to notice some shadowing especially driving at night," explains Bruce. "My long distance vision was impaired and I was having more and more trouble reading up close," he adds.

The 65 year old was diagnosed with cataracts or a clouding of the lens of the eye. His doctor recommended surgery to remove his old lens and replace it with a new FDA approved one called the Symfony. Unlike previous options, the lens from Abott can improve vision at near, intermediate, and far distances and points in between.

"It's a brand new category of lens that gives patients continuous vision and reduces their dependence and many times eliminates their dependence upon glasses following cataract surgery," says Dr. Eric Donnenfeld of Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island.

Bruce is the first person in the country to get the new lens since it was FDA approved. Dr. Donnenfeld conducted the clinical trials.

"Giving them a natural type of vision where they are less dependent on glasses makes them more comfortable and improves their self-confidence," says Dr. Donnenfeld.

Bruce says he's excited for the future.

"I'm a very active 65 year old. I ride motorcycles long distance and I also do jet skiing."

It usually takes about a week or two as the eye heals for final results.

Cataracts are common and most often related to aging. It's estimated nearly four million cataract surgeries are performed every year.