| Crystalens is an accommodating intraocular lens implant which is used to provide a continuous range of vision for far away, intermediate, and close-up distances. The lens is engineered with a hinge design to allow the optic, or part of the lens that you see through, to move back and forth as you change your focus from far to near . It turns back time by reducing or eliminating your dependence on contact lenses, bifocals or reading glasses. Please choose from the following to learn more. Overview
Benefits
Results & Candidacy
Risks & Complicatons
Facts & Questions
Overview When talking about their vision, most people over the age of 45 "focus" on their loss of near vision generally associated with presbyopia or "aging eyes." Eventually, this will progress to include a loss of intermediate or “computer distance” vision. Only with reading glasses or bifocals can the intermediate or near tasks be learly visualized. A Cryatalens implant provides a broad range of clear vision. Many patients do not require glasses at all. top...
Benefits For those struggling with presbyopia (can’t see up close) and cataracts, there is a new option to the traditional, standard IOLs used to replace the eye's natural lens: the Crystalens. The Crystalens is the first and only accommodative, or naturally focusing, lens available today. Standard IOLs are "fixed" within the eye and correct vision at a single focus (usually distance). The hinge design of the Crystalens allows it provide clear distance, intermediate, and up close vision. - Clinical data show that 100 percent of Crystalens® patients had good intermediate vision (26" to 32").
- More than 200,000 Crystalens have been implanted worldwide.
top...
Results & Candidacy Virtually everyone with good general health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems may need to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery. People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. Please inform your surgeon at your first meeting that you have undergone previous refractive surgery. top...
Risks & Complications The medical procedure to implant the Crystalens is the same safe, proven cataract surgery performed annually on over 7 million eyes globally. Over 40 million procedures have been done in the last 25 years. But because it is surgery, it is not completely risk-free. Current data indicates that 98% of people have no complications after cataract surgery and more than 95% have improved vision. The trusted medical team at The Eye Center will perform a thorough examination and fully inform you of any increased risk of a complication. top...
Facts & Questions What about my intermediate vision, like working on the computer. Will it be like wearing trifocals? Your ability to see at approximately arm's length (intermediate vision) will be greatly enhanced with the Crystalens in comparison with a standard lens implant. Over 96% of people enrolled in the clinical study were able to see 20/20 at arm's length without glasses. In addition, the quality of vision compared to wearing trifocals is significantly improved. You will have a full range of vision, without having to tilt your head to find the sweet spot in your glasses. You simply look at something and the Crystalens will automatically focus your eye at near, arm's length, or distance. Will I be able to read in all light conditions? The Crystalens functions very much like the normal human lens. It is always best to read with sufficient light, but the Crystalens does not require extremely bright light to function. Should I have the Crystalens implant put in both eyes? Your physician will look at a number of factors in deciding which eye needs the implant first and when, if necessary, the other eye is ready. The physicians at The Eye Center strive to customize each patient’s outcome. Sometimes, this is by placing the Crystalens in both eyes, and other times it requires another type of Lifestyle lens in the second eye. What will my vision be like after surgery? Your distance vision will usually be very good within a day or two after surgery. However, your middle and near vision may be somewhat blurred at first. You will need to wear reading glasses during all near tasks for the first two weeks to allow to lens to set properly. After that time, the glasses are put aside. You will notice that your intermediate (arm's length) vision is improving and your near vision is also starting to get better. It may take several months for your eyes to reach their full focusing potential because the muscle required to move the lens from distance to near focus needs to gain strength. Frequent near tasks such as Sudoku are encouraged to aid the process. Everyone's focusing ability is different. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have excellent middle vision, and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses. However, some people may be more comfortable with additional correction, particularly at night or in dim light. It is very important to remember that implant surgery cannot alleviate pre-existing conditions that are not related to the lens, such as floaters. Your doctor will thoroughly discuss the restoration of your vision after surgery and will recommend a specific plan for optimizing your uncorrected vision for near and far. It is important to remember that while virtually everyone experiences much improved vision after cataract surgery, some people will have better uncorrected vision than others. It may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. The difference from standard lenses is that most people will not be dependent on these supplemental vision aids to function normally. Since this information isn't intended to replace the advice of a health care professional, be sure and talk with your doctor before making any decisions regarding vision correction procedures. What about glare, problems driving at night and sensitivity to light? Can implant surgery create these problems? These symptoms are much less likely to occur with Crystalens than any other Lifestyle lens. Oftentimes these complaints will be present prior to surgery and resolve afterwards. When will I be able to return to normal activities after Crystalens refractive implantation? Typically, you will be able to return to normal activities within a few days after surgery. It is important that you avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds for a week after surgery since it can increase the pressure in your eye. You also must avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye. You should refrain from activities that could increase your chances of getting hit in the eye. Wear your protective sunglasses when outdoors. You can shower and wash your hair as long as you avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye. Refrain from using eye makeup, lid liner, and mascara for several weeks after implantation. You should avoid public swimming pools, hot tubs, or other sources of bacterial contamination for several weeks. Consult your doctor on recommendations for specific activities. Will I have to have cataract surgery again? Once your cataracts or clear lenses are removed and replaced with an implantable lens, you should never have to have cataract surgery again. For more information about any of these life-changing services, please contact us. To schedule an appointment, you may call 803-256-0641 or schedule your consultation online. top... |