Crystalens® Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Crystalens™?

The Crystalens™ is the first and only accommodating intraocular lens replacement for cataracts that focuses like the eye’s natural lens, allowing for continuous vision up close, far away, and all distances in between. Unlike standard intraocular lenses, the Crystalens™ can restore full functional vision and in most cases eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks, allowing patients to see well and look their best. With Crystalens™, for the first time, cataract patients will have the potential opportunity to experience the freedom of seeing well at all distances without glasses.

How does it work?

Crystalens™ uses the eye’s muscle to move the lens backward and forward naturally in response to the brain’s desire to see at different distances. The Crystalens™ enables patients to focus through a full range of vision, including near, intermediate, and far distances. Patients experience the same vision they had when they were younger, for most without the inconvenience of corrective lenses or glasses.

What is the difference between Crystalens™ and a standard lens?

Crystalens™ is an accommodating lens which allows for continuous vision at all distances. In contrast, standard (single vision) lens implants provide vision at a fixed distance and do not have the ability to change. Most people with standard lenses must wear glasses for near vision and may need to wear them for intermediate or arm’s length distance as well.

What about my intermediate vision, such as working on the computer? Will it be like wearing trifocals?

Your ability to see at approximately arm’s length will be greatly enhanced with the Crystalens™. Over 96% enrolled in a clinical study were able to see 20/20 at an intermediate distance without correction. 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 that portion of your glasses that allows you to see clearly. You simply look at something and the Crystalens™ will automatically focus your eye at near, intermediate, or distance. The Crystalens™ mimics the natural focusing ability of your eye.

Will I be able to read in all light conditions?

The Crystalens™ functions very much like the normal human lens. It is important to remember that reading vision in low light is also influenced by the overall health of your eye and by the condition of the light sensors in the retina. As we get older our ability to see in low light conditions may start to decrease. It is always best to read in good light conditions.

Who are the best candidates for Crystalens™?

The Crystalens™ is ideally suited for men and women who are 50 years of age or older with cataracts who want to restore their full range of vision.

If I’ve had LASIK, can I still be a candidate for Crystalens™?

People who have had prior refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens™ implantation as long as the eye is in good health.

Should I have the Crystalens™ implant put in both eyes?

Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes. If only one eye has a cataract, only one implant is necessary. If both eyes have cataracts and the vision in one eye is worse, Dr. Balin will elect to implant that eye first. If both eyes are the same, Dr. Balin usually starts with the “non-dominant” eye.

Where is the surgery performed? Will I feel anything?

Dr. Balin performs the Crystalens™ procedure at the Cataract & Laser Center in West Springfield. You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour before the procedure. A number of topical drops will be placed in your eye and oral medication may be administered to help you relax. The eye drops anesthetize your eye and dilate your pupil.

Once in the surgery suite, you will lie down on a comfortable bed. A microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look up into the light of the microscope. The actual surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. Dr. Balin will use a device to keep your eyelids open. You will feel no pain, only a slight pressure on your eye. All you have to do is relax and hold still.

Once the surgery is complete, additional drops will be placed in your eye to prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and keep your pupil dilated. A patch may be placed over your eye and someone will need to drive you home. Once at home, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You should avoid any strenuous activities. Do not rub your eye. Dr. Balin will see you the day after surgery to remove the eye patch and examine your eye.

What are the chances that something could go wrong with the surgery? What would they be?

The contemporary treatment for cataracts is to remove the crystalline lens and replace it with an artificial lens. The Crystalens™ represents the state-of-the-art in artificial lens design and is the result of over 50 years’ evolution in the treatment of cataracts.

The medical procedure to implant the Crystalens™ is the same safe, proven cataract surgery performed annually on over seven million eyes globally. Over 40 million procedures have been done in the last 25 years. However, because it is surgery it is not completely risk free.

Complications of cataract surgery range from minor, usually temporary side effects, to sight-threatening complications. Fortunately, significant sight-threatening complications are extremely rare, and include (but are not limited to) infection, hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. People with existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic inflammatory conditions, and chronic infections are at a higher risk of developing complications. Current data indicate that 98% of people have no complications after cataract surgery and more than 95% have improved vision.

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 intermediate and near vision may be somewhat blurred at first. After about two weeks, you will notice that your intermediate vision is improving and your near vision is also starting to get better. It is important you discontinue the use of your reading glasses at this time so that you strengthen the focusing muscle of your eye.

It may take several months for your eyes to reach their full focusing potential. The more you try to read without glasses, the quicker your near vision will improve.

You may notice a difference in your vision from one eye to the other after your eyes heal. This is normal. If the difference in your vision is significant, Dr. Balin may recommend additional corneal refractive surgery. This is often done for the correction of astigmatism after implant surgery.

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, but some people may be more comfortable with additional correction, particularly at night or in dim light.

What about glare, problems driving at night, and sensitivity to light?

These symptoms can be produced or exacerbated by cataract surgery. Many people report these problems before cataract surgery and even after surgery; however, they are rarely debilitating. Sensitivity to light is often a temporary symptom. The Crystalens™ optic material is so clear that some people need time to get used to how bright colors are and how intense lights can be, particularly at night.

As with any intraocular lens, glare can be a problem at night when the pupil widely dilates. Occasionally light can reflect off the edge of the implant and create a flash or halo of light. This typically does not occur in your central field of vision but rather in the periphery. If glare bothers you, there are a number of things that Dr. Balin can do to improve your vision at night, including medication or night driving glasses.

When will I be able to return to normal activities after Crystalens™ implantation?

Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days.

Will insurance cover any of the cost?

Patients under 65 and not yet covered by Medicare should review their private health insurance policies to determine coverage. Generally, private insurance will cover the cataract surgical procedure and anesthesia, and will also allow an additional amount for the lens implant. Patients are required to pay a deductible as well as any amount above the primary coverage. However, some patients may be responsible for the complete cost of the procedure and lens.

back to top >>