Crystalens for Cataract Correction
Until recent years, most people with cataracts just had to suffer with slowly losing the ability to see anything clearly. The cataract would spread throughout the eye lens and eventually leave the patient blind. With the invention of Crystalens, however, came salvation.
First, let’s start with a bit of an ophthalmic glossary so we’re all on the same page.
· IOL – an acronym for IntraOcular Lens
· Intraocular lens – used to replace old or diseased natural eye lens
· Cataract – a clouding of the normally clear crystalline lens
· Crystalline lens – flexible, transparent structure located behind the iris that focuses rays of light onto the retina
· Retina – a membrane that lines the inside of the back of the eye; contains light-sensitive nerve cells that convert focused light into nerve impulses
· Accommodative – the ability your eye has to quickly refocus from near to far to near to farther, based on what you are viewing
Now that we have a better idea of what is involved in seeing clearly and what a cataract really is, let’s talk about how Crystalens has been changing lives.
Crystalens is an implantable IOL that, as stated above, replaces the original bad lens in your eye. There are two other IOL options but they aren’t accommodative like Crystalens. The other IOLs only give you clear vision at one distance. Crystalens gives you clear vision at near and far distances.
The process of replacing your damaged lens with the implantable Crystalens is really fairly simple. After your eye is numb from anesthetic eye drops, the surgeon uses ultrasound to gently disintegrate the original lens. The small bits are carefully suctioned out of the eye through a very small incision. Next, the Crystalens is inserted through the same incision and gently but accurately laid into place. That’s it! No pain, and clear vision to gain. For many people, you can go back to reading a newspaper without glasses, you can see your computer monitor easily and clearly, and your distance vision will likely be close to perfect.
Even though having a cataract develop can be scary at first, you can rest in the knowledge that, with the help of a well-qualified and experienced laser vision correction surgeon, you can see clearly again.
If you are interested in learning more about Crystalens cataract surgery, or wish to schedule a consultation in the Monmouth and Ocean County area of New Jersey, please visit Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates today.
Patricia Woloch
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/crystalens-for-cataract-correction-735998.html
Ophthalmology – Lens Replacement – Crystalens or ReStor?
I’m 59 and don’t have cataracts. However, I do have a lazy eye that needs more correction than I can get from glasses or Lasik.
I’m looking at lens replacement, similar to cataract procedures.
Two brands are Crystalens and ReStor. Which is better? Which is cheaper?
http://www.crystalens.com/UC/CESK.htm
http://www.laserforeyes.com/restor.html
I also found info on ICL, implantable contact lens. Apparently this is not recommended for anyone over 60 and is only available in Britain.
I would strongly suggest you ask your Ophthalmologist that would do the surgery, about which type he prefers.
I went through two cataract surgeries with my Husband.
One Perfect and one (same Doctor ) problematic. The lens fell into the back of the eye, blocking the retina and causing temporary blindness. The pressure was ghastly for the week until he did the Vitrectomy to correct the problem. They drill 3 holes in your eye ball. The pressure is supposed to be under 20 and his hit 49.
When they tell you they are 93% successful and 6% no change and 1% blindness. Just be aware that one of the frightening percentages can happen. I must say we never thought it would.
He is fine now, but the week and high pressure, like glaocoma, was frightening as it can cause blindness. They had to reopen the incision in his eye ball with no anesthesia, it became so high. To drain the excessive fluid out.
So think long and hard about this. The problems can be greater than you think. The other scary thing is that you are wide awake for this surgery, the eye is deadened but the lid is propped open with a gadget and you see everything. Very taumatic.
Then you need someone to insert drops about every two hours for 7 to 10 days.
Good Luck with your decision.
References :
I’m close to your position, but a few years younger, and with Rx’s averaging -8.50 and -12.50 DS.
Why Crystlens or Restor…?
There’s a comparative chart below, but currently I’m planning to avoid multifocal implants competely, and getting single vision implants in each eye, set for distance.
My personal choice, but I consider the risk of increased night glare and loss of contrast sensitivity not worth it, balanced against needing to use reading/computer glasses, which might still occasionally be required with the multifocals anyway.
But I am a fussy myope and a model-maker.
"…careful patient selection is vital. Patients must have multifocal implants to both eyes, they need to accept some minor halo / glare at night, and about 20 percent of patients may require light reading spectacles for fine visual tasks, such as reading telephone-directory print in poor light or removing splinters.
The patient’s expectation levels should match what the technology can deliver. "
If you have one lazy eye with poor best acuity, check carefully whether you are a good candidate for a multifocal lens replacement.
References :
http://www.the-lasik-directory.com/iol_chart.html
If your lazy eye is not correctable by glasses, then it will not be correctable by implants either.
Lazy eye is due to a cortical (brain) processing problem; even if the refractive error is fully corrected you will not have good acuity.
References :
I’m an optometrist