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New FDA-Approved Lens Can Give People With Cataracts Their Natural Vision Back

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is now an exciting new option for the millions of Americans who have cataracts. The FDA has approved a new lens for people with cataracts. Doctors say it is giving patients back their natural vision and reducing the need for glasses.

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

"I started to notice some shadowing, especially driving at night," Goldblatt said. "My long distance vision was impaired and I was having more and more trouble reading close ups."

The 65-year-old was diagnosed with cataracts, 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 can improve vision from 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 on glasses," said Dr. Eric Donnenfeld.

Goldblatt was the country's first patient to get the lens since it was FDA approved. Donnenfeld conducted the clinical trials.

Goldblatt said he's excited for the future and that he's very active at 65. "I ride motorcycles long distance and I also do jet-skiing."

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

The new lens will now be available at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Cataracts are very common and most often related to aging. It's estimated that nearly 4 million cataract surgeries are performed every year.

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