Crystalens™

Crystalens™ is the most advanced intraocular lens (IOL) currently available and corrects vision at all distances and in most cases eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses for everyday tasks.  Its ability to focus at all distances frees most patients from the need for glasses following cataract surgery.  In clinical trials, nearly three-times the number of patients (85%) who received the Crystalens™ could see at all distances compared to a standard IOL.  By using the eye's muscle to move the lens back and forwards naturally, patients can focus through a continuous range of vision including near, far and everywhere in between.  All other intraocular lenses are designed to remain fixed in the eye.

Crystalens™ accommodating IOL is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts for distance and near vision.  Crystalens™ is designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia.
• may or may not have a medical diagnosis of cataract. 
• are 45+ years of age.
• have no health issues affecting their eyes.

Presbyopia is an inevitable age-related eye condition that makes it difficult to read or see objects up-close without the use of reading glasses.  Presbyopia is the first sign of a cataract and is the most prevalent eye condition in America.  It causes the crystalline, or natural, lens of the eye to increasingly stiffin, lose flexibility and cloud, diminishing its focusing ability.

Presbyopia and cataracts are a part of the normal aging process. People who do not have a cataract now and receive an accomodative IOL now, will not have to have cataract surgery in the future.

Crystalens™ and Medicare

Seniors on Medicare now can opt for the presbyopia-correcting Crystalens™.  The Crystalens™ is designed to treat two conditions:  cataract removal with lens implant (a procedure covered by Medicare) and presbyopia (a non-covered service).  Patients who select Crystalens™ will receive the standard Medicare reimbursement for cataract surgery, and can now pay privately for the presbyopic portion of the treatment.

What to expect on surgery day:

The Crystalens™ procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Only one eye will be treated at a time. After the eye is completely numbed with topical or local anesthesia, the eye's natural lens will be gently removed through a tiny 2mm incision.

The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the eye.

Next, the new intra-ocular lens will be folded and inserted through the same micro-incision. It will then be unfolded and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens. This incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals quickly and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.

If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions.  Another option for eliminating astigmatism after IOL surgery is with laser vision correction.  Your surgeon will discuss your options for eliminating postoperative astigmatism during your consultation.

Your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism.

You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have Crystalens™ is an important one that only you can make. The goal of accommodatilve IOLs is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

Serious complications with accommodative IOL implants are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with accommodative IOL implants.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if Crystalens™ is right for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Alternatives to Crystalens™

Accommodative IOL implants are not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

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